Development of A Physical Windkessel Module to Re-Create In-Vivo Vascular Flow Impedance for In-Vitro Experiments

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Accurate in-vitro models are crucial for validating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.
• Understanding vascular impedance is essential for cardiovascular research and medical device development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a physical Windkessel module for realistic vascular impedance simulation.
• To enable precise in-vitro flow experiments for CFD validation and cardiovascular investigations.

Main Methods:

• Designed and manufactured practical flow resistance and capacitance units.
• Assembled a Windkessel impedance module with an analytical model including inductance.
• Tested modules using a flow system, comparing experimental data to analytical predictions.

Main Results:

• Resistance modules demonstrated stable values within 5% variation across physiological flow rates.
• Measured flow and pressure waveforms closely matched analytical predictions under various conditions.
• Experimental impedance modulus and phase agreed well with theoretical values and in-vivo data.

Conclusions:

• The developed Windkessel impedance module serves as a practical tool for in-vitro cardiovascular studies.
• The analytical model accurately predicts the module's behavior, facilitating its use in research.