Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis of Catheter Obstruction in the Implantable Intraperitoneal Insulin Pump to Support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Fibrotic obstruction compromises long-term intraperitoneal insulin delivery. This study aimed to quantify how progressive lumen narrowing alters hydrodynamics at a catheter tip. We built a three-dimensional model and performed computational fluid dynamics with laminar, steady flow, insulin treated as a Newtonian fluid, and pressure outlet boundary conditions; pressure fields were mapped onto a finite element obstruction for fluid-structure assessment. Simulations showed a nonlinear rise in wall pressure and a decline in flow as occlusion advanced; high narrowing created recirculation, stagnation, and elevated wall shear near the obstruction, while structural deformation remained at the nanoscale but spatially anisotropic. These trends arise because reduced effective area increases resistance and accelerates jets that separate and trap fluid in low-velocity pockets, favoring protein and collagen deposition. The model identifies failure thresholds and guides design: rounded tips, optimized port geometry, and low-fouling, zwitterionic surfaces, together with pressure-based flushing or smart actuation, could improve long-term reliability in practice. This study supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).