Pulmonary Embolism: Flow Analysis of One-Degree Inferior Vena Cava Filters

Pulmonary Embolism: Flow Analysis of One-Degree Inferior Vena Cava Filters

An estimated 200,000 deaths stem from pulmonary embolism (PE) annually, with most cases being caused by a condition known as deep vein thrombosis. Inferior Vena Cava Filters (IVCFs) were designed to reduce the risk of PE by hooking onto the IVC walls via surgical insertion and capturing the clot. In this project, we simulated and analyzed the average blood flow velocity of the IVCF containing a filter at different occlusion levels to determine any possible dangers and solutions associated with these levels. All simulations were performed using ANSYS CFX. The inlet’s normal velocity was set to5 cm/s. For the outlet, zero relative pressure was prescribed. The walls of the vessel were constrained to no-slip conditions. A viscosity of 3.5 centipoise and density of 1125 kg/m3 were utilized for the blood’s properties. All solutions were set to converge at 10-4 error margin for the momentum and continuity equations. The results showed higher flow velocity, a higher force magnitude as a result of increased occlusion on the filter and vessel walls. This can lead to rupture of the vessel, along with the potential dislodging or fracturing of the filter causing sharp debris to apply further damage to the body and potentially resulting in fatality. Several measures can be taken in preventative response to these flaws, including close observations of the filter occlusion through follow-ups after the initial procedure, as well as through possible dissolution techniques to eliminate the original clot and remove the filter from the body safely and in one piece.