Models for oxygen exchange between microvascular networks and surrounding tissue

T. W. Secomb, R. Hsu, M. W. Dewhirst

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Krogh cylinder model for oxygen diffusion from capillaries is the starting point for many theoretical models of oxygen delivery to tissue. It assumes an idealized geometry, in which the capillaries are identical, parallel, and evenly spaced. We present theoretical simulations of oxygen delivery to tissue by networks of microvessels, under less restrictive geometrical assumptions. These simulations are carried out using a Green's function approach. Three vascular geometries are considered: a single capillary passing near an arteriole; a configuration of arterioles and capillaries based on observations of skeletal muscle; and a network of microvessels based on observations of a tumor preparation. In these simulations, several phenomena emerge that are not seen in the Krogh model. These phenomena fall into two main classes: diffusive interactions between neighboring vessel segments; and effects of heterogeneous vessel spacing. Examples of these phenomena are described, and their significance for the function of normal tissues and for the treatment of tumors is briefly discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvaces in Biological Heat and Mass Transfer - 1992
PublisherPubl by ASME
Pages121-127
Number of pages7
ISBN (Print)0791811115
StatePublished - 1992
EventWinter Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers - Anaheim, CA, USA
Duration: Nov 8 1992Nov 13 1992

Publication series

NameAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers, Heat Transfer Division, (Publication) HTD
Volume231

Other

OtherWinter Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
CityAnaheim, CA, USA
Period11/8/9211/13/92

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Models for oxygen exchange between microvascular networks and surrounding tissue'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this