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Shock-induced collapse of a bubble inside a deformable vessel
1Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
European Journal of Mechanics. B, Fluids
|September 10, 2013
Summary
Shockwave lithotripsy can cause hemorrhage by collapsing bubbles in blood vessels. This study simulates bubble collapse, revealing high pressures and vessel damage, explaining potential injury mechanisms during kidney stone treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Medical Engineering
Background:
- Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) uses shockwaves to break kidney stones.
- Hemorrhage is a common side effect, possibly due to bubble dynamics in blood vessels.
- Understanding shock-induced bubble collapse is crucial for SWL safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate mechanisms of shock-induced bubble collapse and vessel injury.
- Model bubble dynamics within a deformable vessel simulant.
- Quantify pressures and deformations caused by bubble collapse.
Main Methods:
- Simulated 3D shock-induced collapse of an air bubble in a water column.
- Used a high-order finite-volume scheme for shock and interface capturing.
- Modeled soft tissue using a 10% gelatin/water mixture with a stiffened gas equation of state.
Main Results:
- Observed bubble collapse with shockwave-directed jetting.
- Vessel wall invagination and distention occurred due to bubble collapse and jet impact.
- Maximal pressures (~450 MPa) and deformations (~50% radius) occurred with strong confinement and specific shockwave angles.
Conclusions:
- Shock-induced bubble collapse can generate extreme pressures and significant vessel wall deformation.
- These findings suggest a primary mechanism for SWL-induced hemorrhage.
- Further research can optimize SWL to minimize vascular injury.
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