<i>In vitro</i> characterization of solute transport in the spinal canal

This paper presents results of an experimental investigation solute transport in a simplified model the spinal canal. The work aims to provide increased understanding mechanisms responsible for drug dispersion intrathecal delivery (ITDD) procedures. consists annular channel bounded externally by rigid transparent tube circular section, representing dura mater, and internally eccentric cylindrical compliant insert, cord. tube, closed at one end, is connected acrylic reservoir, cranial cavity. system filled with water, whose properties are almost identical those cerebrospinal fluid. A programmable peristaltic pump employed generate oscillatory motion frequencies that representative induced cardiac respiratory cycles. Laser fluorescence used characterize fluorescent dye along canal into cavity different values relevant Womersley number eccentricities section. present corroborates experimentally, first time, existence steady bulk flow, associated mean Lagrangian motion, which plays key role measurements found be excellent agreement theoretical predictions obtained using equation derived earlier on basis two-timescale asymptotic analysis. underscore importance eccentricity its variations identifies changes flow topology differences number, potential implications guiding future designs ITDD protocols.