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Updated: Jan 10, 2026
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Particle Image Velocimetry Investigation of Hemodynamics via Aortic Phantom
Published on: February 25, 2022
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False Lumen Haemodynamics in Type B Aortic Dissection: An in Vitro Study Using PIV and Patient-Specific Flexible
A Koulogiannis1, Q Li1,2, S Homer-Vanniasinkam1,2,3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London (UCL), London, UK.
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|November 22, 2025
Summary
This study used a patient-specific phantom to investigate blood flow in aortic dissection (AD). Results show wall flexibility significantly impacts flow dynamics, revealing key patterns for predicting AD progression and validating simulation models.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Aortic dissection (AD) involves vascular wall delamination and false lumen formation.
- False lumen hemodynamics are critical for predicting AD progression, rupture, and thrombosis.
- Accurate hemodynamic metrics are needed for patient risk stratification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally characterize in vitro hemodynamics within a patient-specific type B aortic dissection false lumen.
- To assess the impact of aortic wall compliance on intra-false lumen flow patterns.
- To validate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models and test interventions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a patient-specific flexible aortic phantom within a mock circulatory loop.
- Employed Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) for time-resolved velocity field measurements.
- Used a blood-analog fluid with refractive index matching for optical clarity.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated significant impact of wall compliance on false lumen flow compared to rigid models.
- Observed a high-velocity systolic jet entering the false lumen, causing rotational flow.
- Identified diastolic flow reversal and vortical structures in both true and false lumens.
- Calculated hemodynamic markers like false lumen ejection fraction.
Conclusions:
- In vitro flexible phantom models accurately replicate complex AD hemodynamics.
- Wall compliance plays a crucial role in shaping intra-aortic dissection flow.
- This experimental approach serves as a valuable tool for validating CFD simulations and pre-clinical intervention testing.
