DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2010.200
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/437
Date of Award
12-2010
Degree Name
MS in Biomedical Engineering
Department/Program
Biomedical and General Engineering
Advisor
Trevor R. Cardinal
Abstract
The goal of this study was to compare the morphological and hemodynamic characteristics of normal and remodeled vascular networks in the mouse gracilis muscle. To this end, previously developed models to assess flows and vascular branching were used to assess the normal and remodeled microcirculatory networks. The analysis revealed that the average individual vessel flow rates for vessels of similar caliber and total volumetric flow rates in the networks do not change for vessels of the same caliber after remodeling. Connectivity changes and average diameters primarily change in the larger arterioles after remodeling. A few correlations could be made between architectural and flow properties, however, further modifications in the analysis methods can make future correlations more effective. In order to improve the analysis a parameter sensitivity analysis tool (PSAT) was developed. The PSAT is helpful in teasing apart the individual effects of morphological parameters such as vessel connectivity, vessel diameters, and vessel lengths. In future, another important component that allows the investigator to exclusively alter vessel quantities for all the orders can be added to improve the PSAT.