Quantitative analysis and modeling of microembolic phenomena

This thesis explores parameters that govern microvascular occlusion secondary to embolic phenomenon. Bulk and individual properties of microembolic particles were characterized using light microscopy, SEM and optically-based particle analysis. Particulate probability distributions were created from imaging data using Matlab. Size distribution, volume, morphology and chemical properties were quantified using in-vivo and model flow systems to correlate particulate characteristics and occlusive efficacy. This study focused on novel expandable/deformable Polyacrylic acid microspheres (PAA-MS) for use as catheter-deliverable therapeutic emboli. These emboli expand in aqueous media such as blood and remain unexpanded in custom delivery media. The techniques developed to investigate therapeutic microemboli were applied to the analysis of clot dissolution byproducts. PAA-MS expand volumetrically in seconds when placed in aqueous environments. PAA-MS were modified to resist fragmentation based upon failure analysis. Degradation testing demonstrated PAA-MS chemical stability. Charge characteristics inherent to the PAA-MS acid matrix were leveraged to develop low-viscosity media that prevent expansion. Cationic dyes were found that bind the charged matrix within PAA-MS to enhance visualization.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Feldstein, Michael J. (Michael Jordan)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Elazer R. Edelman.

• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

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/1721.1/38327
• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Identifier URI

http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/38327

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/38327