Patent Document ID: 8175814
Application ID: 12428134
Patent Flag: 1

Claim One:
1. A method for determining a parameter that influences particle adhesion in a microvascular network comprising the steps of: a) providing a synthetic microvascular network comprising a plurality of non-linear interconnected flow channels that form geometrical features and have fluid flow properties found in physiological microvascular networks; b) introducing a sample comprising a liquid suspension of particles into an inlet of the synthetic microvascular network; c) causing the sample to flow through the synthetic microvascular network; d) identifying the locations, numbers, and/or distribution of particles that deposit in the synthetic microvascular network; and e) correlating the locations, numbers, and/or distribution of particles identified in step d) with the parameter that influences particle adhesion in the microvascular network wherein said plurality of non-linear, interconnected flow channels possess a geometric characteristic selected from the group consisting of a variable cross-sectional shape, a variable cross-sectional area, a turn, a bend, a bifurcation, a junction, a convolution, an anastamosis, and combinations thereof.