Simulation Model Based on Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics Applied to the Evaluation of the Embolic Effect of Emulsions of Iodized Oil and Anticancer Drug

Purpose: To verify the difference in embolic effect between oil-in-water (O-W) and water-in-oil (W-O) emulsions composed of iodized oil and an anticancer drug, epirubicin, using a simulation model based on non-Newtonian fluid mechanics.Methods: Flow curves of pure iodized oil and two types of O-W and W-O emulsions immediately and 1 hr after preparation were examined with a viscometer. Using the yield stress data obtained, we simulated the stagnation of each fluid with steady flow in a rigid tube.Results: The W-O emulsions were observed to stagnate in the thin tube at a low pressure gradient. However, the embolic effect of the W-O emulsions decreased 1 hr after preparation. The O-W emulsions were stable and did not stagnate under the conditions in which the W-O emulsions stagnated.Conclusion: The simulation model showed that the embolic effect of the W-O emulsions was superior to that of the O-W emulsions