Anthropomorphic cardiac ultrasound phantom

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Cardiovascular Technology

Background:

• Accurate simulation of human cardiac anatomy is crucial for advancing ultrasound imaging techniques.
• Existing phantoms may not fully replicate the complexities of cardiac function and blood flow dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a new, anatomically accurate phantom for ultrasound, Doppler, and color-flow Doppler imaging.
• To provide a reliable tool for evaluating prosthetic valves and flow patterns within the heart.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a polymer left ventricle with prosthetic mitral and aortic valves within a mock circulatory loop.
• Utilization of aerated tap water as a blood-simulating fluid and ultrasound contrast agent.
• Integration of the ventricle into a Lexan ultrasound visualization chamber with a piston pump system for realistic simulation.

Main Results:

• The phantom successfully simulates human cardiac anatomy and valve function.
• Real-time ultrasound and Doppler studies effectively measured flow patterns through prosthetic valves and the left ventricle.
• Aerated tap water demonstrated utility as both a blood analog and ultrasound contrast medium.

Conclusions:

• The developed cardiac phantom is a valuable tool for ultrasound imaging research and development.
• It enables realistic assessment of prosthetic valve performance and intracardiac flow dynamics.
• This phantom advances the capabilities for training and testing in cardiovascular ultrasound applications.