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Experimental and Theoretical Model of Single Vessel Minimally Invasive Micro-Laser Ablation: Inducing Microvascular
Gabriel Gruionu1,2,3, James Baish4, Sean McMahon5
1Indiana University School of Medicine, Krannert Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Medicine, Indianapolis, 46202, USA.
Research Square
|January 10, 2024
Summary
Selective laser ablation of microvessels can alter blood flow. This study modeled microvascular remodeling after ablation, revealing collateral development and vessel diameter changes crucial for tissue function.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Vascular Biology
- Computational Modeling
Background:
- Overly dense microvascular networks require selective reduction, but improper manipulation risks tissue damage.
- Understanding compensatory blood flow redistribution and microvessel remodeling is critical for effective treatment.
Approach:
- Developed experimental and computational models to study microvascular changes after selective artery and vein laser ablation.
- Utilized advanced imaging techniques (bright-field, multi-photon microscopy, OCT) for non-invasive monitoring pre- and post-ablation.
- Created a theoretical network remodeling model to compute blood flow, pressure, and identify susceptible vessels.
Key Points:
- Consistent skin microvascular remodeling patterns observed across specimens, with significant changes occurring 1-3 days and continuing beyond 20 days post-ablation.
- Observed collateral development, vessel reopening, and both outward/inward remodeling; arterial and venous diameters significantly increased post-ablation, with arteries showing sustained enlargement.
- Arteries regenerated via endothelial cell migration; veins reconnected or rerouted flow, influenced by local pressure gradients.
Conclusions:
- The theoretical model accurately predicts collateral vessel behavior based on pressure sensitivity, aligning with observed post-ablation remodeling patterns.
- Microvascular remodeling is a dynamic process involving multiple mechanisms that restore or reroute blood flow after targeted ablation.
