A formulation of the finite-element method for both two-dimensional and axisymmetric slow viscous flow is presented. Its application to flow of large particles in a channel or a circular cylindrical tube is discussed. The particles are assumed to be disk-shaped and are disposed axisymmetrically in the tube. The velocity profiles, the pressure gradient, and the shear stress on the wall are determined as functions of kinematic parameters. The conditions are selected to represent an idealization of the motion of red blood cells and plasma in capillary blood vessels.