Two-dimensional flow study in a stenotic artery phantom using ultrasonic particle image velocimetry.

Blood flow dynamics has an important role in atherosclerosis initiation, progression, plaque rupture and thrombosis, and it is important to investigate the flow characteristics in the context of a mild stenotic artery. In this paper, tissue-equivalent ultrasound phantoms of artery stenosis were fabricated, and ultrasonic particle image velocimetry (EchoPIV) method was applied for two-dimensional flow study. A flow circuit was established and steady flow was provided by the gear pump. Flow at the inlet and the stenosis region were researched with EchoPIV method and ultrasound Doppler technique. The detailed 2D two-component velocity vectors were determined with EchoPIV method, and the measuring accuracy outweighs that of Ultrasound Doppler by comparing to the theoretical values of Poiseuille flow.