Third-Generation Cardiovascular Phantom

Abstract

Objective: Different types of preclinical research tools used in the field of diagnostic imaging such as dynamic flow circulation phantoms have built the foundation for optimization and advancement of clinical procedures including new imaging techniques. The objective was to introduce a third-generation phantom, building on the limitations of earlier versions and unlocking new opportunities for preclinical investigation. Material and Methods: A third-generation phantom was designed and constructed comprising physiological vascular models from head to toe, including a 4-chamber heart with embedded heart valves and a controllable electromechanical pump. The models include modular segments, allowing for interchangeability between healthy and diseased vessels. Clinical sanity checks were performed using the phantom in combination with a dual-head power injector on a third-generation dual-source computed tomography scanner. Contrast media was injected at 1.5 g I/s, and the phantom was configured with a cardiac output of 5.3 L/min. Measurements of mean transit times between key vascular landmarks and peak enhancement values in Hounsfield units (HUs) were measured to compare with expected in vivo results estimated from literature. Results: Good agreement was obtained between literature reference values from physiology and measured results. Contrast arrival between antecubital vein and right ventricle was measured to be 13.1 ± 0.3 seconds. Transit time from right ventricle to left ventricle was 12.0 ± 0.2 seconds, from left internal carotid artery to left internal jugular vein 7.7 ± 0.4 seconds, and 2.9 ± 0.2 seconds from aortic arch to aortic bifurcation. The peak enhancement measured in the regions of interest was between 336 HU and 557 HU. Conclusions: The third-generation phantom demonstrated the capability of simulating physiologic in vivo conditions with accurate contrast media transport timing, good repeatability, and expected enhancement profiles. As a nearly complete cardiovascular system including a functioning 4-chamber heart and interchangeable disease states, the third-generation phantom presents new opportunities for the expansion of preclinical research in diagnostic imaging.

New Contrast Media for K-Edge Imaging With Photon-Counting Detector CT

“…The scope was to extend this previous studies with an experimental tungsten-based agent using a commercially available PCD-CT in combination with a novel third-generation cardiovascular phantom that simulates the entire human vasculature and enables adjustment of heart rate, blood pressure, and pulsative flow. 44 For the study, both common carotid arteries were replaced with stenotic modules containing artificial softly and densely calcified plaques (Fig. 4 ).…”

Shaken or Stirred? The Inconsistencies of Manual Contrast Media Dilution in Endovascular Interventions

“…where ρ CM is the measured density of the pure CM, equal to 1.33 g/cm 3 , and ρ NaCl is the measured density of normal saline, equal to 1.00 g/cm 3 . The integral of this injection concentration percentage was used to generate a graph of concentration versus injected volume.…”

“…Power injectors enable the use of higher flow rates that may be necessary to facilitate complete vessel filling, while also enabling the endovascular specialists and other staff to exit the room during DSA, improving radiation hygiene 2 . When considering dose volumes of CM to administer, the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle should be applied to reduce not only the potential for adverse effects associated with administration of pharmaceutical agents, but also due to the economic and environmental impacts 3 . For example, intra-arterial injection of CM may lead to decline in renal function, among other potential adverse effects 4 .…”

“… 2 When considering dose volumes of CM to administer, the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle should be applied to reduce not only the potential for adverse effects associated with administration of pharmaceutical agents, but also due to the economic and environmental impacts. 3 For example, intra-arterial injection of CM may lead to decline in renal function, among other potential adverse effects. 4 Further, unnecessary administered CM volumes increase procedural costs to the health care system, as CM is typically purchased with a price per milliliter.…”