System and method to simulate hemodynamics
AssigneeVictor KRSTEC
InventorsMichael Dancu, John Tarbell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for hemodynamic simulation comprises a vessel having properties of a blood vessel, a reservoir containing a quantity of fluid, tubing connecting the vessel and reservoir, and at least one pump for circulating the fluid within the system. Fluid can be tissue culture medium or blood analog fluid, and the vessel may include mammalian cells attached to its inside. A drive system, comprising two reciprocating drive shafts that are coupled by a cam, enables the uncoupling of pulsatile flow and pulsatile pressure to provide independent control over wall shear stress and circumferential strain. The shaft drives two pumps that are 180 degrees out-of-phase and are connected upstream and downstream of the vessel, and effect this uncoupling.
Claims20
A system configured to produce biomechanical conditions, comprising:
- a specimen chamber;
- at least one pump positioned upstream of and coupled to an upstream end of the specimen chamber;
- at least one pump positioned downstream of and coupled to a downstream end of the specimen chamber, wherein an upstream pump and a downstream pump are coupled to be operated selectively out of phase;
- and
- a reservoir operatively coupled to at least one of the specimen chamber, the upstream pump and the downstream pump.
A method for producing biomechanical conditions, comprising:
- providing a specimen chamber;
- providing at least one upstream pump coupled to an upstream end of the specimen chamber;
- providing at least one downstream pump coupled to a downstream end of the specimen chamber, wherein an upstream pump and a downstream pump are selectively operated out of phase;
- and
- operatively coupling a reservoir to at least one of the specimen chamber, the upstream pump and the downstream pump.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.