Numerical simulation of effect of vessel bifurcation on heat transfer in the magnetic fluid hyperthermia

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze the mass and heat transfer mechanisms in magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) treatment, revealing the effect of blood flow in a blood vessel bifurcation on the accurate spatial control of the thermal dose. A three-dimensional multiphysical model was developed to obtain the blood flow velocity distribution, concentration distribution of magnetic fluid, and temperature distribution of the treated tumor tissues. The calculated results demonstrate that the structure, size, and position of a bifurcation vessel greatly affect the selection of injection parameters for MFH treatment. The injection parameters considered in this study are the concentration of magnetic fluid, injection volume, arrangement of injections within the targeted tissues, and distance between the injection site and bifurcation. Diffuse injection patterns, large volumes, and low concentrations generally decrease the temperature differences within the tissues. To achieve uniform heating, high injection density and high-concentration magnetic fluids may be applied to the area near the vessel in order to reduce the cooling effect of blood flow. However, a more diffuse injection pattern is advantageous if the distance between the injection site and blood vessel is relatively short for the purpose of eliminating the heating effect of magnetic fluids.