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Artificial simulation of th aqueous humor dynamics of the conventional outflow pathway under physiological and pathological conditions

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posted on 2022-03-28, 02:10 authored by Edward Rickie Lim Chu
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world and remains a devastating ophthalmic condition. Current management seems limited and focuses mainly on reducing intraocular pressure. Glaucoma research models such as cell and organ based culture, computer simulation and animal models have played major roles in advancing the field, however, disease progression still occurs indicative that the pathophysiology of glaucoma has not been fully elucidated. In an attempt to shed some light into this issue, a novel artificial hydraulic model has been developed to empirically simulate fluid dynamics of the human conventional outflow pathway. Using non-biological materials, this model comprised of critical elements of the human aqueous outflow tract that include a microsyringe pump (simulating aqueous inflow/outflow), 35-gauge needle (stimulating trabecular meshwork), one way valve (simulating Schlemm’s canal inner wall endothelia) and a distal fluid column (simulating episcleral venous pressure) interconnected in between by pressure transducers and rigid tubings. The model was able to replicate various components of the conventional outflow pathway under physiological and pathological conditions. This system can potentially provide options to incorporate biological materials (i.e. cell cultures), include a parallel uveoscleral outflow system and/or simulate collector channel resistance to create a more comprehensive model to further our understanding in aqueous outflow dynamics.

History

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Introduction -- Chapter 2. Materials and methods -- Chapter 3. Empirical insights into conventional outflow dynamics from an artificial hydraulic model -- Chapter 4. Understanding abnormal outflow resistance and episcleral venous pressure in an artificial hydraulic model of the conventional aqueous drainage -- Chapter 5. Limitations, conclusion and future directions.

Notes

Empirical thesis. Bibliography: pages 66-80

Awarding Institution

Macquarie University

Degree Type

Thesis masters research

Degree

MPhil, Macquarie University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian School of Advanced Medicine

Department, Centre or School

Australian School of Advanced Medicine

Year of Award

2016

Principal Supervisor

Stuart Graham

Additional Supervisor 1

James Tan

Rights

Copyright Edward Rickie Lim Chu 2015. Copyright disclaimer: http://www.copyright.mq.edu.au

Language

English

Extent

1 online resource (80 pages) diagrams, graphs

Former Identifiers

mq:48503 http://hdl.handle.net/1959.14/1099821