title: In vitro model of a semicircular canal: design and validation of the model and its use for the study of canalithiasis.
abstract: We present an experimental model for a semicircular canal with canalithiasis. Canalithiasis is a pathological condition where free-floating particles disturb the flow field in the semicircular canals. It may lead to a specific form of vertigo known as BPPV or top-shelf vertigo. A careful scaling of the physical and geometrical parameters allows us to study the mechanics of this disease on an enlarged model of a single semicircular canal with laser vibrometry and video particle tracking. Early results confirm the proper operation of the model canal and support the current theories on the mechanisms of BPPV.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Fluid Dynamics, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland. obrist@ifd.mavt.ethz.ch
authors.forename: Dominik
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Obrist
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hegemann
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kronenberg
authors.forename: Oliver
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Häuselmann
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rösgen
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001698:Biomedical Engineering / Q000295:instrumentation; D004710:Endolymph / Q000502:physiology; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D020347:Lithiasis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000295:instrumentation; D012399:Rotation; D012665:Semicircular Canals / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014717:Vertigo / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*