Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 1, 2025

Induction of Microstreaming by Nonspherical Bubble Oscillations in an Acoustic Levitation System
Published on: May 9, 2021
Flow field around bubbles on formation of air embolism in small vessels
Zhongnan Li1, Guiling Li2, Yongjian Li3
1State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China.
Abstract:
An air embolism is induced by intravascular bubbles that block the blood flow in vessels, which causes a high risk of pulmonary hypertension and myocardial and cerebral infarction. However, it is still unclear how a moving bubble is stopped in the blood flow to form an air embolism in small vessels. In this work, microfluidic experiments, in vivo and in vitro, are performed in small vessels, where bubbles are seen to deform and stop gradually in the flow. A clot is always found to originate at the tail of a moving bubble, which is attributed to the special flow field around the bubble. As the clot grows, it breaks the lubrication film between the bubble and the channel wall; thus, the friction force is increased to stop the bubble. This study illustrates the stopping process of elongated bubbles in small vessels and brings insight into the formation of air embolism.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Excess Pressure Inside a Drop and a Bubble
Laminar and Turbulent Flow
Turbulent Flow
Steady, Laminar Flow in Circular Tubes
Irrotational Flow

