Construction and geometric stability of physiological flow rate wall-less stenosis phantoms

Ultrasound Med Biol. 2001 Feb;27(2):245-50. doi: 10.1016/s0301-5629(00)00304-5.

Abstract

Wall-less flow phantoms are preferred for ultrasound (US) because tissue-mimicking material (TMM) with good acoustical properties can be made and cast to form anatomical models. The construction and geometrical stability of wall-less TMM flow phantoms is described using a novel method of sealing to prevent leakage of the blood-mimicking fluid (BMF). Wall-less stenosis flow models were constructed using a robust agar-based TMM and sealed using reticulated foam at the inlet and outlet tubes. There was no BMF leakage at the highest flow rate of 2.8 L/min in 0%, 35% and 57% diameter reduction stenoses models. Failure of the 75% stenosis model, due to TMM fracture, occurred at maximum flow rate of 2 L/min (mean velocity 10 m/s within the stenosis). No change of stenosis geometry was measured over 4 days. The construction is simple and effective and extends the possibility for high flow rate studies using robust TMM wall-less phantoms.

MeSH terms

  • Acoustics
  • Agar
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Artifacts
  • Blood Flow Velocity
  • Carotid Stenosis
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Models, Cardiovascular
  • Phantoms, Imaging*
  • Pulsatile Flow
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler / instrumentation*

Substances

  • Agar