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 antican cer 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 emuls ions 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 dec reased 1 hr after preparation. The O-W emulsions were stable and did not st agnate 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.