Lattice Boltzmann Analysis of Microvascular Constriction Flow Including Red Blood Cells and Liposome-Encapsulated Hemoglobin

Abstract

Lattice Boltzmann analysis of the microvascular constriction flow after the partial replacement of red blood cell (RBC) with liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH) was performed with the aim of predicting the effect of LEH on primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). Two models were considered - a normal model and a PPH model. In the case of only RBC flow, we revealed the relation between the constriction width in the PPH model and the vascular resistance. On the other hand, after RBC-LEH replacement, the vascular resistance decreased and the total oxygen carrying capacity increased. Furthermore, the changes in left ventricular pressure (LVP) and right ventricular pressure (RVP) were investigated using a simple circuit in which systemic circulation and lung circulation were connected in series. When the symptoms of PPH appeared in the lung arteriole, the RVP increased noticeably, while it decreased substantially upon RBC-LEH replacement.