Computational and biological studies of mechanical prophylaxis against deep venous thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremity and induced pulmonary embolism are common complications resulting from prolonged periods of bed-rest or immobilization of the limbs. One of the most effective methods of prophylaxis against DVT is external pneumatic compression (EPC). In spite of its wide acceptance as an effective means of prophylaxis, its mechanism remains poorly understood and optimal compression conditions have not been defined. Understanding the biological consequences of EPC is an important goal for optimizing the performance of compression device and providing guidance for clinical use. In the first part of this thesis, a computational model of the leg was developed to simulate hemodynamic conditions under EPC and the influence of different modes of compression were analyzed and compared. Then, a new in vitro cell culture system was developed that can be used to examine the effect of hemodynamic conditions during EPC on endothelial cell (EC) function. The biologic response was assessed through changes in cell morphology and the expression of various pro-thrombotic and anti-thrombotic factors related to EC.

Department dc:contributor.department

Harvard University--MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2001

Author dc:creator

• Dai, Guohao, 1970-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Roger D. Kamm.

• Harvard University--MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/28236

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/28236