The evolution of pressure-flow geometry in the aortic arch is increasingly understood as a key element in the treatment of hemodynamic dysfunction in patients. However, little is known about the properties of the flow across the aortic geometry and thus the sensitivity of sensor placement is also unknown. Compliant models of the aortic path can be built to allow techniques such as particle image velocimetry to measure the velocity fields. This paper presents the justification and production methodology used to generate a compliant model of the aortic arch that represents the geometry and compliance of typical hemodynamics patients. The information from twenty papers was synthesized to generate a single model of the aortic arch. The model incorporates the three branching arteries at an apex of a tapering aortic path experimental that has been manufactured as a flexible thin-walled silicon model. Calculations were undertaken to ensure that the model matches the in vivo compliance of the arteries.The experimental setup uses the compliant silicone model of the aorta with variable flow pump to mimic the cardiac cycle, and a variable extramural pressure to mimic changes in intrathoracic pressure. This research was necessary for the development of an accurate experimental setup that would enable results that are immediately applicable to the research of cardiovascular therapy optimization.
Compliant phantoms of the human aortic arch can mimic patient specific cardiovascular dysfunctions in vitro. Hence, phantoms may enable elucidation of haemodynamic disturbances caused by aortic dysfunction. This paper describes the fabrication of a thin-walled silicone phantom of the human ascending aorta and brachiocephalic artery. The model geometry was determined via a meta-analysis and modelled in SolidWorks before 3D printing. The solid model surface was smoothed and scanned with a 3D scanner. An offset outer mould was milled from Ebalta S-Model board. The final phantom indicated that ABS was a suitable material for the internal model, the Ebalta S-Model board yielded a rough external surface. Co-location of the moulds during silicone pour was insufficient to enable consistent wall thickness. The resulting phantom was free of air bubbles but did not have the desired wall thickness consistency.
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