In children with congenital heart defects, Doppler ultrasound is the standard, bedside imaging modality. However, precise characterization of blood flow is challenging due to angle-dependent and one-dimensional velocity estimation. Contrast agent free Vector Flow Imaging is a new ultrasound technology that enables angle-independent visualization of the detailed flow field. Two piglets, one with normal cardiac anatomy and one with congenital heart disease comprised of valvular pulmonary stenosis, a dilated main pulmonary artery, and an incomplete atrioventricular canal defect, were imaged transthoracically and epicardially using a BK Ultrasound bk5000 with built-in vector flow imaging and a 5MHz linear probe. Subsequently, two children, one with normal cardiac anatomy and one with congenital heart disease comprised of aortic valve stenosis and coarctation of the aorta were imaged transthoracically. Transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography and vector flow imaging were readily performed in both animals and were limited only by the geometry of the porcine thorax. In addition, transthoracic vector flow imaging was successfully performed in both children, and abnormal flow secondary to cardiac anomalies was visible. Adequate penetration was obtained to a depth of 6.5 cm. Our group has previously

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Objectives The purpose of this study is to test venous valve performance and identify differences between native tissue and replacement devices developed with traditional tissue treatment methods using a new in vitro model with synchronized hemodynamic parameters and high-speed valve image acquisition. Methods An in vitro model mimicking the venous circulation to test valve performance was developed using hydrostatic pressure driven flow. Fresh and glutaraldehyde-treated vein segments were placed in the setup and opening/closing of the valves was captured by a high-speed camera. Hemodynamic data were obtained using synchronized hardware and virtual instrumentation. Results Geometric orifice area and opening/closing time of the valves was evaluated at the same hemodynamic conditions. A reduction in geometric orifice area of 27.2  ± 14.8% (p < 0.05) was observed following glutaraldehyde fixation. No significant difference in opening/closing time following chemical fixation was observed. Conclusions The developed in vitro model was shown to be an effective method for measuring the performance of venous valves. The observed decrease in geometric orifice area following glutaraldehyde treatment indicates a decrease in flow through the valve, demonstrating the consequences of traditional tissue treatment methods.

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.

Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) models are an essential tool in understanding the complex coupling of blood flow in the heart. The objective of this study is to establish a method of comparing data obtained from FSI models and benchtop measurements from phantoms to identify sources of flow changes for use in intraventricular flow analysis. Two geometries are considered: 1) a vascular model consisting of a straight channel with an ellipsoidal swell and 2) an idealized left ventricle (LV) model representative “acorn” shape. Two phantoms are created for each of the two geometries: 3D printed rigid phantoms from a resin and custom-made tissue-mimicking phantoms from a medical gel. Benchtop measurements are made using the phantoms within a custom flow loop setup with pulsatile flow. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations are conducted with a Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) model. The two flow channel geometries utilized in the experiments are replicated for the simulations. The cavity walls are defined by ghost particles that are rigidly fixed. Maximum pressure drops were 57 mmHg and 196 mmHg for the rigid swell and rigid LV, respectively, whereas maximum pressure drops were 155 mmHg for the gel swell and 140 mmHg for the gel LV. Calculations from the simulations resulted in a maximum pressure drop of 55 mmHg for the swell and 110 mmHg for the LV. This data serves as a first step in corroborating our methodology to utilize the information obtained from both methods to identify and better understand mutual sources of changes in flow patterns.