Flow in idealised compliant human cystic duct models
The functions of the cystic duct and the role of its complicated geometry (in particular the valves of Heister), in the delivery of bile ow have always been a subject of speculation. This paper reports on an experimental investigation of the ow in idealised, compliant cystic duct models. The valves of Heister were idealised using eight semi-circular alternating baffles fitted inside the com- pliant tubes. These tubes were arranged in configurations representing the anatomical configurations of real cystic ducts. Models both with and without baffles were tested for comparison. The results show that the valves of Heister seem to play a role in facilitating both the filling and emptying of the gallbladder. During the filling stage, which takes place at a low ow rate, the presence of the baffles seems to make the pressure drop required for the ow lower than that for a duct with no baffles. Whereas, during the gallbladder emptying phase, a certain ‘opening pressure is needed to initiate ow into the cystic duct. Again, the opening pressure required for the duct with baffles is lower than that required for the duct without baffles. The baffles appear to prevent the duct from collapsing completely by providing structural support; facilitating both filling and emptying of the gallbladder. These results are consistent with clinical observations and hence shed some light on the function of the valves of Heister.
cystic duct valves of Heister gallstone formation baffle plates
M.Al-Atabi S.B.Chin S.Beck X.Y.Luo
Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Sheffield, UK Department of Mathematics, University of Glasgow, UK
国际会议
The Fifth International Conference on Fluid Mechanics(第五届国际流体力学会议)
上海
英文
2007-08-15（万方平台首次上网日期，不代表论文的发表时间）