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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Perfusable Vascular Network with a Tissue Model in a Microfluidic Device
Published on: April 4, 2018
Fluid mechanics in the perivascular space.
Peng Wang1, William L Olbricht
1School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. pw96@cornell.edu
Perivascular spaces in the brain facilitate fluid and solute transport. Blood vessel wall motion, specifically peristaltic motion, can enhance this transport, impacting brain physiology and convection-enhanced delivery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Fluid Mechanics
- Physiology
Background:
- The perivascular space (PVS) is a critical pathway for interstitial fluid (ISF) and solute movement in the brain.
- Fluid dynamics within the PVS significantly influence transport processes and overall brain physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To theoretically analyze the fluid mechanics within the brain's perivascular spaces.
- To investigate the impact of fluid flow in PVS on solute transport and convection-enhanced delivery (CED).
Main Methods:
- Developed a theoretical model for fluid flow in the PVS.
- Derived an analytical solution based on specific assumptions and approximations.
- Examined the physical implications of the derived fluid dynamics.
Main Results:
- An analytical solution for fluid mechanics in the PVS was obtained.
- The study identified the physical meanings of the fluid flow characteristics.
- Consequences for convection-enhanced delivery (CED) were specifically analyzed.
Conclusions:
- Peristaltic motions of blood vessel walls can significantly enhance fluid and solute transport within the PVS.
- Understanding PVS fluid dynamics is crucial for optimizing drug delivery strategies like CED.
- Theoretical analysis provides insights into the physiological role of PVS flow.
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