Development of a Two-Way Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian Computational Magnetic Nanoparticle Targeting Model for Pulsatile Flow in a Patient-Specific Diseased Left Carotid Bifurcation Artery

Cardiovasc Eng Technol. 2019 Jun;10(2):299-313. doi: 10.1007/s13239-019-00411-8. Epub 2019 Mar 29.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present work is to present the development of a computational two-way coupled (fluid and particle coupled) magnetic nanoparticle targeting model to investigate the efficacy of magnetic drug targeting (MDT) in a patient-specific diseased left carotid bifurcation artery. MDT of therapeutic agents using multifunctional carrier particles has the potential to provide effective treatment of both cancer and cardiovascular disease by enabling a variety of localized treatment and diagnostic modalities while minimizing side effects.

Methods: A computational model is developed to analyze pulsatile blood flow, particle motion, and particle capture efficiency in a diseased left carotid bifurcation artery using the magnetic properties of magnetite (Fe3O4) and equations describing the magnetic forces acting on particles produced by an external cylindrical electromagnetic coil. A Eulerian-Lagrangian technique is adopted to resolve the hemodynamic flow and the motion of particles under the influence of a magnetic field (Br= 2T). Particle diameter sizes of 20 nm-4 μm in diameter were considered.

Results: The computational simulations demonstrate that the greatest particle capture efficiency results for particle diameters within the micron range, specifically 4 µm in regions where flow separation and vortices are at a minimum. It was also determined that the capture efficiency of particles decreases substantially with particle diameter, especially in the superparamagnetic regime. Particles larger than 2 μm were targeted and captured at the desired location by the external magnetic field, and the largest capture efficiency observed was approximately 98%.

Conclusion: The simulation results presented in the present work have shown to yield favorable capture efficiencies for micron range particles and a potential for enhancing capture efficiency of superparamagnetic particles in smaller arteries and/or using magnetized implants such as cardiovascular stents. The present work presents results for justifying further investigation of MDT as a treatment technique for cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: Capture efficiency; Carotid artery; Diseased; Eulerian; Lagrangian; Magnetic drug targeting; Magnetite; Patient-specific; Pulsatile flow.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Flow Velocity
  • Cardiovascular Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Carotid Arteries / drug effects*
  • Carotid Arteries / physiopathology
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / diagnosis
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / physiopathology
  • Computer Simulation
  • Drug Carriers*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Fields*
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Models, Cardiovascular*
  • Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted
  • Particle Size
  • Pulsatile Flow*
  • Regional Blood Flow

Substances

  • Cardiovascular Agents
  • Drug Carriers
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles