Velocity profiles in stenosed models using magnetic resonance imaging.

A time-of-flight MRI velocity measurement technique is evaluated against corresponding LDV measurements in a constriction tube model over a range of physiologic flow conditions. Results from this study show that MR displacement images can: (1) be obtained within both laminar and turbulent jets (maximum stenotic Re approximately equal to 4,200); (2) measure mean jet velocities up to 172 cm/s, and (3) detect low forward and reverse velocity regions near the tube wall just downstream of the stenosis (0 less than or equal to L/D less than or equal to 2). Regions between the jet termination point and reestablishment of laminar flow (Re greater than 1,500, greater than 1,000 and greater than 110 downstream of 40, 60 and 80% stenosis, respectively) cannot presently be detected by this technique.