UC San Diego

Simulations have been used to study cardiovascular treatment and diseases, but validation of these simulations with in-vitro or in-vivo methods remain a challenge. In creating an experimental set-up to closely match physiological conditions, this in-vitro validation study aims to increase our confidence in simulation methods and results for hemodynamics in aneurysms caused by Kawasaki Disease. In this project, we construct a three -dimensional, optically-clear flow phantom from a patient specific computer solid model, in which physiologically relevant boundary conditions are created for PIV measurements. The PIV data is then compared to computational simulation data to demonstrate that the simulation data is able to reproduce similar flow features such as recirculation areas and local velocity profiles. With these preliminary results from PIV, though not yet sufficient to fully validate the corresponding simulation results, we demonstrate the feasibility of the experimental validation set-up, including model construction and PIV measurements. This establishes a framework for future validation efforts in a range of cardiovascular disease applications using the experimental methods developed in this thesis