Abstract
Calibration of medical imaging systems that provide quantitative measures relating to complex physiological flows is challenging. Physical test objects available for the purpose either offer a known simple flow far removed from the complexity of pathology (e.g. parabolic flow in a straight pipe) or complex relevant flows in which the details of the flow behaviour are unknown. This paper presents the ring vortex as a candidate for a complex flow phantom, since it is marked by inherently complex flow features that are controllable, predictable, reproducible and stable. These characteristics are demonstrated by a combination of analytical, numerical (CFD) and experimental methods. Together they provide a consistent perspective on ring vortex behaviour and highlight qualities relevant to phantom design. Discussion of the results indicates that a liquid phantom based on the ring vortex may have merit as a complex flow phantom for multimodal imaging. Furthermore, availability of such a flow reference may also serve as a benchmark for quality assurance of simulation methodologies.
Highlights
This paper presents the ring vortex as a candidate for a complex flow phantom, since it is marked by inherently complex flow features that are controllable, predictable, reproducible and stable
Discussion of the results indicates that a liquid phantom based on the ring vortex may have merit as a complex flow phantom for multimodal imaging
This paper argues for a novel concept in medical imaging flow phantom design based around the flow phenomenon known as the ring vortex
Summary
This paper argues for a novel concept in medical imaging flow phantom design based around the flow phenomenon known as the ring vortex. Analysis of physiological flows plays a fundamental role in diagnosis of numerous pathologies and for this reason it is important that flow-informed diagnosis is both sensitive and specific, based on flow-derived metrics that can reliably support clinical decision making [5] [6]. Flow phantoms provide a mechanism by which diagnostic performance of the imaging technology can be calibrated and evaluated. In the context of numerical simulation, patient-specific analysis is often informed using both the geometry and the flow information obtained from imaging studies. Flow phantoms offer a means by which high quality numerical and experimental benchmark data can be provided to undertake Quality Assurance of simulation methodologies, as exemplified by the recent FDA critical path initiative [7]. A well specified phantom can give confidence to interpretation of flow data
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