Project Overview

We are interested in understanding the flow characteristics of intracranial aneurysms. To help us better understand these patterns we use patient specific models (phantoms) and explants of surgically created aneurysms in canines. Creation of realistic flow conditions in these models as well as optimization of injection protocols for 2D and 3D angiography requires that the fluid used mimic the viscosity and density of blood. In order to visualize flow we acquire x-ray angiographic images after injection of an iodine containing contrast medium. Since the viscosity and density of the contrast medium is quite different from that of blood mixing of this contrast medium with our blood mimic fluid will cause its viscosity and density to change significantly during an experiment.

We would like assistance in designing a bypass circuit for our human specific phantom and the apparatus that we use to study the explanted canine aneurysms. The design should be one such that a bolus of fluid containing contrast medium can be diverted along a path such that it does not contaminate the bulk of the fluid in the system. Design of the bypass loop must be such that the outflow resistance matches that of the experimental circuit i.e. flow rates in the 2 systems must be matched so that there are no changes in flow patterns during opening of the bypass loop. It would also be useful if a way to automatically monitor the viscosity and density of the blood mimic fluid during an experiment could be incorporated into the design.

Team Picture

Contact Information

Team Members

• Ross Barker - Team Leader
• Peter Hartig - Communicator
• Timothy Tyrrell - BSAC
• Ellis Cohen - BWIG
• Benjamin Vander Loop - BPAG

Advisor and Client

• Prof. Naomi Chesler - Advisor
• Dr. Alejandro Roldan - Client