Numerical Simulations for Calibration Setup for Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography Imaging Protocol.

Area of Science:

• Fluid Dynamics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Science

Background:

• Accurate calibration of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) scanners is crucial for reliable diagnostic imaging.
• Microfluidic devices offer precise control over fluid dynamics, making them suitable for calibration applications.
• Existing calibration methods may lack the precision and efficiency required for advanced CEUS systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate an innovative microfluidic flow separator for calibrating CEUS scanners.
• To validate numerical simulation results with experimental data.
• To optimize the performance of microfluidic systems for CEUS calibration.

Main Methods:

• Numerical simulations using OpenFOAM software, incorporating Lagrangian particle tracking and passive scalar transport.
• Experimental validation of the microfluidic flow separator's performance.
• Analysis of particle distributions and scalar transport behavior under varying pressures.

Main Results:

• Excellent agreement between numerical simulations and experimental validation, particularly at a specific total pressure.
• Demonstrated computational efficiency in modeling passive scalar transport.
• Identified an optimized diffusion coefficient ($$) critical for accurate simulation and device performance.

Conclusions:

• The developed microfluidic flow separator is a viable tool for calibrating CEUS scanners.
• Numerical modeling, especially passive scalar transport, provides valuable insights into microfluidic system behavior.
• Optimizing the diffusion coefficient is key to enhancing the accuracy and performance of these separators.