MRI Characterization of Intrathrombus Transport and Flow During Vessel Occlusion

Motivation: Intrathrombus transport mechanisms are important to model accurately and to validate thrombolytic behavior but are understudied and not well characterized experimentally. Goal(s): Previous models have largely ignored effective porous diffusivity and used unvalidated porosity-permeability relationships. Our goal is to provide new experimental data to help eliminate or validate these assumptions. Approach: This study aims to use novel MRI applications to quantify intrathrombus convection and diffusion by tracking contrast agent movement through different clot types. Results: Initial results demonstrated we can quantify spatially and temporally varying permeability during dissolution. We also observed decreased diffusivity compared to previously reported values. Impact: Understanding intrathrombus transport mechanisms will provide researchers a better understanding of thrombolytic therapy failure and success. These data can be used to explain why certain clots are clinically more resistant to thrombolytics and to help build better predictive computational models.