Poly-vinyl alcohol hydrogel vascular models for in vitro aneurysm simulations: the key to low friction surfaces.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a vessel model with poly-vinyl alcohol hydrogel (PVA-H) with low surface friction for in vitro simulations of vascular pathologies.


METHODS
Simulations of variable vascular pathologies were based on human vessel casts reproduced in wax. Constructions of vascular models were then obtained by lost wax techniques. As materials, liquid silicon or PVA in organic solvents were used. After solidification, the wax was drained by heating. Comparison of PVA-H with silicone models included evaluation of surface characteristics (friction coefficient), of visibility (transparence and compatibility with medical imaging techniques), and of stiffness (pulsatility of vascular lumen). Both model types were integrated in a circulation circuit allowing for flow simulations and testing with endovascular medical devices.


CONCLUSIONS
Both model types were transparent and compatible with current medical imaging methods. PVA-H models exhibited much lower friction characteristics. PVA-H stiffness was closer to soft tissue when compared to silicone, allowing for pulsations during flow simulations.
Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland. ohta@frontier.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Makoto
M
Ohta
Akira
A
Handa
Hiroo
H
Iwata
Daniel A
DA
Rüfenacht
Sadami
S
Tsutsumi
D017276:Friction; D006439:Hemodynamics; D020100:Hydrogels; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol; D011673:Pulsatile Flow; D012828:Silicones; D013499:Surface Properties; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D020100:Hydrogels; D012828:Silicones; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol