Physiological Flow Rig
The University of Limerick aortic flow loop can recreate any aortic waveform. This rig is used to conduct in vitro studies of migration and pressure response to AAA repair. A water bath, with a thermocouple/PID controller feedback system, heats the fluid composed of a water-glycerin blood analogue, in the system to body temperature. This fluid is fed into a steady flow gear pump which passes the fluid to the piston pump which superimposes a pulse on the steady flow. A Transonic ultrasonic flowmeter is used to monitor the pulse waveform and a Gaeltech pressure catheter is used to measure pressure in the system. The AAA model is made using a lost wax injection moulding technique. To help keep pressure at physiological levels a windkessel is used to model arterial compliance.
Figure 1: The Cone and Plate Device