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A dual-lumen microcatheter for minimizing particle reflux during embolization: Proof-of-concept with multiphysics
Younes Tatari1, Jingjie Hu2, Amirhossein Arzani3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Computers in Biology and Medicine
|April 19, 2026
Summary
A new dual-lumen catheter strategy minimizes embolic particle reflux during transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). This computational study shows improved delivery efficiency, crucial for effective tumor and vascular abnormality treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Interventional Radiology
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is vital for treating tumors and vascular abnormalities.
- A key challenge in TAE is embolic particle reflux, risking healthy tissue damage and reduced efficacy.
- Optimizing particle delivery while minimizing reflux remains a significant hurdle in TAE procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and evaluate a novel dual-lumen catheter embolization strategy.
- To investigate particle transport and embolization dynamics using advanced computational modeling.
- To compare the efficacy of different microcatheter designs in minimizing particle reflux.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a four-way coupled, multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and Lagrangian particle tracking framework in OpenFOAM.
- Simulated particle delivery in idealized hepatic artery geometries under pulsatile blood flow.
- Evaluated Standard End-Hole Microcatheter (SEHM), side-hole catheters, and a dual-lumen catheter design.
- Implemented an equivalent electrical circuit model for embolization-induced resistance and flow redistribution.
Main Results:
- Reflux predominantly occurs in later stages of embolization as vessel occlusion increases.
- Side holes improve delivery only at higher flow rates to counteract leakage.
- The dual-lumen catheter design demonstrates enhanced delivery efficiency at lower flow rates.
- Hemodynamic interactions between blood and saline during embolization were highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Advanced computational models are valuable tools for designing microcatheters to reduce particle reflux.
- The proposed dual-lumen catheter strategy offers improved embolization efficiency and safety.
- This approach has the potential to minimize off-target embolization in clinical TAE procedures.
