MR compatible Cardiovascular Simulator for Training and Medical Device Testing

Björn Möller, Sentürk Konak, Peter Bremer, Thomas Bertsch, Andreas Melzer, INSITE med. & Dept of Physical engineering University of Applied Sciences, Gelsenkirchen and Biophan Europe, Castrop-Rauxel, Germany

Background

Testing of medical devices under simulation of cardiovascular procedures without using living animals requires in combination with MR imaging appropriate lacks of blood flow, pulsation and heart beating like in real. We have developed a system you are able to perform device testing and simulations of interventional procedures under life-like conditions.

Material & Methods

Physiological pulsatile blood flow and heart beating has been simulated as well as the flow through arteries. To generate this flow we use a type of pump, two magnetic valves and a computer interface. The second part of the system is a model of the body in which for example a freshly excised porcine heart that is pneumatically compressed with a silicon cuff or vessels can be integrated. Breathing movements of organs such as liver can be achieved via hydraulic drive.

Results

The existing System has been tested in 1,0 and 1.5 Tesla MR. The result of this test is that it is possible with our simulator to get adequate signal characteristics under MR imaging.

Conclusion

The aim for the future is to integrate an ECG triggered heart pressure sleeve which can be equip with a real heart to get close to natural physiological conditions as far as possible. If the system provides simulate the periodical pumping of a heart and the inspiration and expiration thereby the number of animal experiments can be reduced.

Keywords

MR imaging, MR- capable cardiovascular simulator