A novel realistic three-layer phantom for intravascular ultrasound imaging

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is an imaging modality that experienced a tremendous development over the last 20 years. Phantoms for IVUS are rare and poorly documented. The aim of this paper is to propose an original IVUS phantom that has geometries and specular textures closer to those of coronary arteries than conventional tube-like phantoms. The proposed phantom has a three-layer aspect, reproducing the intima, media and adventitia that compose the arterial wall. It is made of an agar-based compound, with water, glycerol and cellulose particles. Fourteen phantoms were quantified using IVUS. Six phantoms were evaluated by both photomacroscopy and IVUS. There was an excellent correlation between phantom dimensions evaluated by photomacroscopy and the nominal values (mold dimensions). The IVUS quantification of the phantom was closely correlated to the measurements obtained by photomacroscopy. These results demonstrate that a multilayer phantom, with known and reproducible dimensions and with realistic geometric and echographic properties has been developed.