Computational fluid dynamics analysis of vascular gas embolism: Understanding the mechanisms and hemodynamic consequences

Project description

This project aims to significantly enhance the understanding of the mechanisms associated with gas embolisms, and their impact on vascular health. Additionally, the research seeks to develop potential preventative and therapeutic strategies for the condition. The study will make use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques to provide valuable insights into the complex fluid interactions that govern the behaviour of gas bubbles within the circulatory system. The work will be motivated by attempting to answer the following research questions:
1. Can we quantify and understand how the physciochemical properties of gas bubbles influence their dynamics in the blood stream, and what parameters impact their dissolution or growth?
2. How does the in-vivo conditions (vascular geometry, blood flow conditions, vessel compliance, etc.) influence the distribution and fate of gas embolisms?
3. What are the specific impacts on the vascular system induced by the presence of gas embolisms, and how do these contribute to potential damage and or organ dysfunction?
4. Is it feasible to develop a patient-specific computational tool to assess the risk of gas embolisms and predict the potential impact on individual patients’ health?

This project provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to advance the state of knowledge in the fields of vascular gas embolisms and computational bio-fluid dynamics.

Outcomes

The expected outputs of this project include (but are not limited to):
1. Characterisation of vascular gas embolisms: it is expected that this research will develop a comprehensive understanding of the formation, transport, and dissolution or grown of gas embolisms in the vascular system. This understanding should include the identification of key factors influencing the bubble size, distribution, and residence time under various conditions.
2. Assessment of the hemodynamic impacts of gas embolisms: this will involve quantifying the expected influence on blood flow patterns, as well as shear stresses and pressure gradients within blood vessels. Ultimately, this will allow assessment of potential e.g., endothelial lining damage, risk of thrombosis, impairment of organ perfusion.
3. Development of potential detection and intervention strategies: evaluation of how computational fluid dynamics tools can enhance early identification and treatment of patients at risk, as well as how they can be used to design possible intervention strategies to prevent or manage vascular gas embolisms.

Essential capabilities

Experience with numerical modelling, experience with computational fluid dynamics

Desireable capabilities

Knowledge of lattice Boltzmann methods and high performance computing, experience modelling non-Newtonian and/or bio-fluids

Expected qualifications (Course/Degrees etc.)

degrees in mechanical engineering, mathematics, computational biology or similar will be considered.

Additional information for applicants

note: i-students must have own scholarship to apply (CSIR, UCG-NET, etc)