Tissue equivalent vessel phantoms for intravascular ultrasound

A tissue equivalent arterial vessel phantom has been developed for use in intravascular ultrasound imaging studies. The phantom material is constructed from a cross-linked gelatin matrix to which amorphous silica scattering particles are added. The ultrasonic properties (speed of sound, frequency-dependent attenuation coefficient and frequency-dependent backscatter coefficient) of the phantom material have been characterized at 42 MHz and correspond well with in vitro measurements of excised human arterial tissue. The mechanical properties of the cast vessel phantoms are controlled by varying the concentration of gelatin used in the matrix. Experimentally measured values of the circumferential Young's elastic modulus of hard and soft vessel phantoms agree well with values reported in the literature for human and canine arterial tissue for transmural pressures up to 100 mmHg. The phantoms are therefore suitable models for use in the development of new applications of intravascular ultrasound imaging, such as the assessment regional arterial elasticity.