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Arterial flow characterization with a photodiode array based imaging system.
I A Cunningham1, S Yamada, B B Hobbs
1Imaging Research Laboratories, John P. Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
Medical Physics
|March 1, 1989
Summary
This study introduces an x-ray imaging system for arterial blood flow analysis. The novel system accurately measures peak and mean velocities and identifies flow separation points near stenoses.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Accurate assessment of arterial blood flow is crucial for diagnosing vascular diseases.
- Conventional methods may have limitations in spatial resolution and dynamic range.
- X-ray imaging offers good soft tissue contrast and penetration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an x-ray imaging system for quantitative arterial blood flow measurement.
- To assess the system's accuracy in determining peak and mean velocities.
- To evaluate the system's capability in characterizing flow separation phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a linear photodiode array detector integrated with a conventional fluorography system.
- Employed a microcomputer for data acquisition and analysis.
- Tracked the movement of a radio-opaque contrast agent bolus through the artery.
Main Results:
- Achieved +/- 5% accuracy in measuring peak flow velocity using bolus arrival times.
- Determined mean velocity with similar accuracy via cross-correlation and Stewart-Hamilton principle.
- Successfully identified flow separation and reattachment points near a stenosis, consistent with theoretical predictions.
Conclusions:
- The described x-ray imaging system provides accurate arterial blood flow velocity measurements.
- The system is capable of characterizing complex flow dynamics, such as those near stenoses.
- This technology offers a promising tool for non-invasive vascular assessment.