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Zhou D, Xu R, Liu Y, Yang Y, Wu Z, Luo Y, Zeng S. Left Ventricular Vortex Characteristics in Fetuses With Coarctation of the Aorta by Blood Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2024; 43:841-849. [PMID: 38240409 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to assess the vortex characteristics of left ventricle (LV) in fetuses with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) using high-frame rate ultrasound with blood speckle-tracking (BST) and explore its relationships with cardiac function and morphology parameters. METHODS Thirty fetuses with CoA and 30 gestational-age matched normal fetuses were included in this cross-sectional study. The area, length, width, and position of the vortex in the LV were recorded and quantitatively analyzed by BST echocardiography. The associations of vortex properties with ventricular function and morphology were also determined. RESULTS Based on BST imaging, the LV vortex can be observed in 93% of the fetuses. The fetuses with CoA exhibited significantly larger and wider vortex than the controls (P < .05). Linear regression analysis indicated that vortex area was positively related to sphericity index of LV as well as isovolumic relaxation time (r = .52, P = .003 and r = .42, P = .021). There was a negative correlation between vortex area and mitral valve size (r = -.443, P = .014). No significant association was found between vortex area and myocardial performance index and aortic isthmus size. CONCLUSIONS It is feasible to quantitatively evaluate the left ventricular vortex in fetuses by BST. The fetuses with CoA exhibited greater vortex area and width, and the altered vortex property is associated with geometry of LV. This will facilitate our comprehension of the unique flow patterns and early cardiac remodeling in fetuses with CoA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ran Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Urology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yushan Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhongshi Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuanchen Luo
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, China
| | - Shi Zeng
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Jack JT, Jensen M, Collins RT, Chan FP, Millett PC. Numerical study of hemodynamic flow in the aortic vessel of Williams syndrome patient with congenital heart disease. J Biomech 2024; 168:112124. [PMID: 38701696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.112124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Congenital arterial stenosis such as supravalvar aortic stenosis (SVAS) are highly prevalent in Williams syndrome (WS) and other arteriopathies pose a substantial health risk. Conventional tools for severity assessment, including clinical findings and pressure gradient estimations, often fall short due to their susceptibility to transient physiological changes and disease stage influences. Moreover, in the pediatric population, the severity of these and other congenital heart defects (CHDs) often restricts the applicability of invasive techniques for obtaining crucial physiological data. Conversely, evaluating CHDs and their progression requires a comprehensive understanding of intracardiac blood flow. Current imaging modalities, such as blood speckle imaging (BSI) and four-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (4D MRI) face limitations in resolving flow data, especially in cases of elevated flow velocities. To address these challenges, we devised a computational framework employing zero-dimensional (0D) lumped parameter models coupled with patient-specific reconstructed geometries pre- and post-surgical intervention to execute computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations. This framework facilitates the analysis and visualization of intricate blood flow patterns, offering insights into geometry and flow dynamics alterations impacting cardiac function. In this study, we aim to assess the efficacy of surgical intervention in correcting an extreme aortic defect in a patient with WS, leading to reductions in wall shear stress (WSS), maximum velocity magnitude, pressure drop, and ultimately a decrease in cardiac workload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin T Jack
- University of Arkansas, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Morten Jensen
- University of Arkansas, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fayetteville, AR, USA; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - R Thomas Collins
- University of Kentucky, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Frandics Pak Chan
- Stanford University, Department of Radiology/Cardiovascular Imaging, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Paul C Millett
- University of Arkansas, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Fayetteville, AR, USA.
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L'Hoyes W, Rosseel T, Jacobs B, Van Edom C, Tavazzi G, Voigt JU, Price S, Dauwe DF, Vandenbriele C. Blood Speckle Imaging in Critical Care: A New Tool in Mechanical Circulatory Support Management. Circ Heart Fail 2024; 17:e010697. [PMID: 38328968 DOI: 10.1161/circheartfailure.123.010697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Wouter L'Hoyes
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases (W.L., T.R., C.V.E., J.-U.V., C.V.), University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Hartcentrum, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium (W.L.)
| | - Thomas Rosseel
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases (W.L., T.R., C.V.E., J.-U.V., C.V.), University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Jacobs
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine (B.J., D.D.), University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Van Edom
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases (W.L., T.R., C.V.E., J.-U.V., C.V.), University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guido Tavazzi
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy (G.T.)
| | - Jens-Uwe Voigt
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases (W.L., T.R., C.V.E., J.-U.V., C.V.), University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Susanna Price
- Adult Intensive Care, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom (S.P., C.V.)
| | - Dieter Frans Dauwe
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine (B.J., D.D.), University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Vandenbriele
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases (W.L., T.R., C.V.E., J.-U.V., C.V.), University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
- Adult Intensive Care, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom (S.P., C.V.)
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Cantinotti M, Marchese P, Franchi E, Santoro G, Assanta N, Giordano R. Four-Dimensional Flow Echocardiography: Blood Speckle Tracking in Congenital Heart Disease: How to Apply, How to Interpret, What Is Feasible, and What Is Missing Still. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:263. [PMID: 38275542 PMCID: PMC10815034 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood speckle tracking echocardiography (BSTE) is a new, promising 4D flow ultrafast non-focal plane imaging technique. The aim of the present investigation is to provide a review and update on potentialities and application of BSTE in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and acquired heart disease. A literature search was performed within the National Library of Medicine using the keywords "echocardiography", "BST", and "children". The search was refined by adding the keywords "ultrafast imaging", "CHD", and "4D flow". Fifteen studies were finally included. Our analysis outlined how BSTE is highly feasible, fast, and easy for visualization of normal/abnormal flow patterns in healthy children and in those with CHD. BSTE allows for visualization and basic 2D measures of normal/abnormal vortices forming the ventricles and in the main vessel. Left ventricular vortex characteristics and aortic flow patterns have been described both in healthy children and in those with CHD. Complex analysis (e.g., energy loss, vorticity, and vector complexity) are also highly feasible with BSTE, but software is currently available only for research. Furthermore, current technology allows for BSTE only in neonates and low-weight children (e.g., <40 kg). In summary, the feasibility and potentialities of BSTE as a complementary diagnostic tool in children have been proved; however, its systemic use is hampered by the lack of (i) accessible tools for complex quantification and for acquisition at all ages/weight, (ii) data on the diagnostic/prognostic significance of BSTE, and (iii) consensus/recommendation papers indicating when and how BSTE should be employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Cantinotti
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 54100 Massa, Italy; (M.C.); (P.M.); (E.F.); (G.S.); (N.A.)
| | - Pietro Marchese
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 54100 Massa, Italy; (M.C.); (P.M.); (E.F.); (G.S.); (N.A.)
- Istituto di Scienze Della Vita (ISV), Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eliana Franchi
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 54100 Massa, Italy; (M.C.); (P.M.); (E.F.); (G.S.); (N.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Santoro
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 54100 Massa, Italy; (M.C.); (P.M.); (E.F.); (G.S.); (N.A.)
| | - Nadia Assanta
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 54100 Massa, Italy; (M.C.); (P.M.); (E.F.); (G.S.); (N.A.)
| | - Raffaele Giordano
- Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Xu R, Hou M, Zhou D, Liu Y, Xie L, Zeng S. Visualizable intracardiac flow pattern in fetuses with congenital heart defect: pilot study of blood speckle-tracking echocardiography. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2023; 62:688-694. [PMID: 37161638 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Blood-flow pattern is an essential factor in cardiovascular development. Recently, blood speckle-tracking echocardiography (BST) based on high-frame-rate ultrasound has emerged as a promising technique for the assessment of blood-flow patterns and properties. The objectives of this study were to determine the feasibility of BST in the fetus and to assess intracardiac blood-flow patterns of fetuses with a congenital heart defect (CHD) using this technique. METHODS This was a prospective study consisting of 35 normal fetuses, 35 fetuses with left-sided obstructive lesion (LSOL) and 35 fetuses with right-sided obstructive lesion (RSOL). BST images of fetal intracardiac regions of interest (ROIs), including the left ventricle (LV), right ventricle (RV), ascending aorta (AAo), aortic arch (AA), descending aorta (DAo) and pulmonary artery (PA), were obtained and analyzed. The feasibility of BST was assessed, and blood-flow pattern and number of vortices in the ROIs were recorded. RESULTS The median gestational age of the fetuses was 24.7 weeks (range, 19.6-34.3 weeks). BST was feasible in 81.6% of cases, and the cut-off value of depth for an adequate BST image was ≤ 7.9 cm. There were no differences in the presence of vortex/turbulent blood flow in the LV or RV among the three groups. Vortex/turbulent blood flow in the AAo was detected in 0% (0/35), 14.3% (5/35) and 57.1% (20/35) of cases in the control, LSOL and RSOL groups, respectively. The respective values were 5.7% (2/35), 14.3% (5/35) and 51.4% (18/35) for the AA; 0% (0/35), 48.6% (17/35) and 0% (0/35) for the DAo; and 0% (0/35), 40.0% (14/35) and 51.4% (18/35) for the PA. With the exception of the DAo in the RSOL group, vortex/turbulent flow in the great artery ROIs was significantly more common in the LSOL and RSOL groups than in controls (P < 0.01). In the LSOL group, the number of vortices in the AAo, AA, DAo and PA was significantly greater compared with that in controls (P < 0.01). In the RSOL group, the number of vortices in the LV, AAo, AA and PA was significantly greater compared with that in controls (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Fetuses with CHD were more likely to exhibit vortex/turbulent blood flow and increased number of vortices in the great arteries compared with healthy controls. Further research is needed to determine the biomechanical effect of blood-flow patterns, especially vortex flow, on fetal cardiovascular structure and function. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Urology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - M Hou
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - D Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Y Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - L Xie
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - S Zeng
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Padovani P, Singh Y, Pass RH, Vasile CM, Nield LE, Baruteau AE. E-Health: A Game Changer in Fetal and Neonatal Cardiology? J Clin Med 2023; 12:6865. [PMID: 37959330 PMCID: PMC10650296 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Technological advancements have greatly impacted the healthcare industry, including the integration of e-health in pediatric cardiology. The use of telemedicine, mobile health applications, and electronic health records have demonstrated a significant potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance the quality of care. Telemedicine provides a useful tool for remote clinics, follow-up visits, and monitoring for infants with congenital heart disease, while mobile health applications enhance patient and parents' education, medication compliance, and in some instances, remote monitoring of vital signs. Despite the benefits of e-health, there are potential limitations and challenges, such as issues related to availability, cost-effectiveness, data privacy and security, and the potential ethical, legal, and social implications of e-health interventions. In this review, we aim to highlight the current application and perspectives of e-health in the field of fetal and neonatal cardiology, including expert parents' opinions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Padovani
- CHU Nantes, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, FHU PRECICARE, Nantes Université, 44000 Nantes, France;
- CHU Nantes, INSERM, CIC FEA 1413, Nantes Université, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Yogen Singh
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Robert H. Pass
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Corina Maria Vasile
- Department of Pediatric and Adult Congenital Cardiology, University Hospital of Bordeaux, 33600 Bordeaux, France;
| | - Lynne E. Nield
- Division of Cardiology, Labatt Family Heart Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Alban-Elouen Baruteau
- CHU Nantes, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, FHU PRECICARE, Nantes Université, 44000 Nantes, France;
- CHU Nantes, INSERM, CIC FEA 1413, Nantes Université, 44000 Nantes, France
- CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, L’Institut du Thorax, Nantes Université, 44000 Nantes, France
- INRAE, UMR 1280, PhAN, Nantes Université, 44000 Nantes, France
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Marchese P, Cantinotti M, Van den Eynde J, Assanta N, Franchi E, Pak V, Santoro G, Koestenberger M, Kutty S. Left ventricular vortex analysis by high-frame rate blood speckle tracking echocardiography in healthy children and in congenital heart disease. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2021; 37:100897. [PMID: 34786451 PMCID: PMC8579140 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2021.100897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background High-frame rate blood speckle tracking (BST) echocardiography is a new technique for the assessment of intracardiac flow. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of left ventricular (LV) vortices in healthy children and in those with congenital heart disease (CHD). Methods Characteristics of LV vortices were analyses based on 4-chamber BST images from 118 healthy children (median age 6.84 years, range 0.01-17 years) and 43 children with CHD (median age 0.99 years, range 0.01-14 years). Both groups were compared after propensity matching. Multiple linear regression was used to identify factors that independently influence vortex characteristics. Results Feasibility of vortex imaging was 93.7% for healthy children and 95.6% for CHD. After propensity matching, there were no overall significant differences in vortex distance to apex, distance to interventricular septum (IVS), height, width, sphericity index, or area. However, multiple regression analysis revealed significant associations of LV morphology with vortex characteristics. Furthermore, CHD involving LV volume overload and CHD involving LV pressure overload were both associated with vortices localized closer to the IVS. Conclusions LV vortex analysis using high-frame rate BST echocardiography is feasible in healthy children and in those with CHD. As they are associated with LV morphology and are modified in some types of CHD, vortices might yield diagnostic and prognostic value. Future studies are warranted to establish applications of vortex imaging in the clinical setting.
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Key Words
- -i, indexed to BSA
- AV, atrioventricular
- BMI, body mass index
- BSA, body surface area
- BST, blood speckle tracking
- Blood speckle imaging
- Bpm, beats per minute
- CHD, congenital heart disease
- CI, correlation index
- Congenital
- ED, end-diastolic
- Echocardiography
- Fps, frame per second
- Heart defects
- ICC, intraclass correlation coefficient
- IQR, interquartile range
- IVS, interventricular septum
- LV, left ventricle/ventricular
- LVEDA, left ventricular end-diastolic area
- LVEDD, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension
- LVEDV, left ventricular end-diastolic volume
- LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction
- LVESD, left ventricular end-systolic dimension
- LVESV, left ventricular end-systolic volume
- LVOT, left ventricular outflow tract
- LVPO, CHD involving left ventricle pressure overload
- LVSV, left ventricular stroke volume
- LVVO, CHD involving left ventricular volume overload
- Left ventricle
- MV, mitral valve
- Pediatrics
- RVPO, CHD involving right ventricular pressure overload
- RVVO, CHD involving right ventricular volume overload
- TGA, transposition of the great arteries
- Vortex imaging
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Marchese
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Massa and Pisa, Italy.,Adult Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Jef Van den Eynde
- Taussig Heart Center, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nadia Assanta
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Massa and Pisa, Italy
| | - Eliana Franchi
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Massa and Pisa, Italy
| | - Vitali Pak
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Massa and Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Santoro
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Massa and Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Shelby Kutty
- Taussig Heart Center, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Development of Custom Wall-Less Cardiovascular Flow Phantoms with Tissue-Mimicking Gel. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2021; 13:1-13. [PMID: 34080171 PMCID: PMC8888498 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-021-00546-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Flow phantoms are used in experimental settings to aid in the simulation of blood flow. Custom geometries are available, but current phantom materials present issues with degradability and/or mimicking the mechanical properties of human tissue. In this study, a method of fabricating custom wall-less flow phantoms from a tissue-mimicking gel using 3D printed inserts is developed. METHODS A 3D blood vessel geometry example of a bifurcated artery model was 3D printed in polyvinyl alcohol, embedded in tissue-mimicking gel, and subsequently dissolved to create a phantom. Uniaxial compression testing was performed to determine the Young's moduli of the five gel types. Angle-independent, ultrasound-based imaging modalities, Vector Flow Imaging (VFI) and Blood Speckle Imaging (BSI), were utilized for flow visualization of a straight channel phantom. RESULTS A wall-less phantom of the bifurcated artery was fabricated with minimal bubbles and continuous flow demonstrated. Additionally, flow was visualized through a straight channel phantom by VFI and BSI. The available gel types are suitable for mimicking a variety of tissue types, including cardiac tissue and blood vessels. CONCLUSION Custom, tissue-mimicking flow phantoms can be fabricated using the developed methodology and have potential for use in a variety of applications, including ultrasound-based imaging methods. This is the first reported use of BSI with an in vitro flow phantom.
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