The Physics of Fluid Dynamics Applied to Vascular Ulcers and Its Impact on Nursing Care

• Published in: Healthcare (Basel) Vol. 8; no. 2; p. 147
• Main Authors: Robles-Romero, José Miguel, Romero-Martín, Macarena, Conde-Guillén, Gloria, Cruces-Romero, Daniel, Gómez-Salgado, Juan, Ponce-Blandón, José Antonio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 28-05-2020; MDPI
• Subjects: Care and treatment; microfluidics; Nursing care; Patient outcomes; physics; pressure ulcers; skin ulcers; Ulcers; venous ulcers; Spain
• ISSN: 2227-9032; 2227-9032
• DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8020147

The high incidence of vascular ulcers and the difficulties encountered in their healing process require the understanding of their multiple etiologies to develop effective strategies focused on providing different treatment options. This work provides a description of the principles of the physics of fluid dynamics related to vascular ulcers. The morphological characteristics of the cardiovascular system promote blood flow. The contraction force of the left ventricle is enhanced by its ability to reduce its radius of curvature and by increasing the thickness of the ventricular wall (Laplace’s Law). Arterial flow must overcome vascular resistance (Ohm’s equation). The elastic nature of the artery and the ability to reduce its diameter as flow rate progresses facilitate blood conduction at high speed up to arteriolar level, and this can be determined by the second equation of continuity. As it is a viscous fluid, we must discuss laminar flow, calculated by the Reynolds number, which favors proper conduction while aiming at the correct net filtration pressure. Any endothelial harmful process that affects the muscle wall of the vessel increases the flow speed, causing a decrease in capillary hydrostatic pressure, thus reducing the exchange of nutrients at the interstitial level. With regard to the return system, the flow direction is anti-gravity and requires endogenous aid to establish the Starling’s equilibrium. Knowledge on the physics of vascular fluid dynamics makes it easier to understand the processes of formation of these ulcers so as to choosing the optimal healing and prevention techniques for these chronic wounds.