Blood flow model

A ViVitro programmable pump is used to simulate human blood flow from the heart and pump BDL analog (a viscosity-matched, shear-thinning blood substitute) throughout the system. This comprehensive flow system uses physiologically matched interchangeable 3D printed neurovascular, cardiovascular, or peripheral vessel models with real time pressure measurements in each branch.

3D system printer diagram.

  • Advanced in vitro flow system: Our team utilizes the BDL’s digitally controlled, programmable hydraulic pump system (SuperPump AR, ViVitro Labs) that simulates physiological cardiovascular, peripheral, or neurovascular flows. Interchangeable, 3D-printed, vessel-like models connected in-line with the flow system for specific device testing.
  • In vitro circle of Willis (CW) model design: The in vitro vessel model, 3D-printed from soft UV-cured polymers (PolyJet process), has similar mechanical properties to human tissue.
    • Proximal and distal branches of the model are fitted with valves and pressure transducers for real-time pressure and flow during aneurysm treatment or aspiration/mechanical thrombectomy monitoring
    • The pressure transducers are connected to a 16-channel NI 9239 Data Acquisition (DAQ) module and displayed in LabVIEW®
    • Catheters are introduced into the CW model following standard interventional surgical techniques (on the bench and under fluoroscopic guidance)
    • Real-time pressures during catheter placement, clot integration, and clot digestion are recorded with precise time stamps.
  • Cardiovascular and peripheral-vascular models: Readily available and can be quickly and accurately developed in conjunction with collaborators’ needs.