SYSTEM AND METHOD TO SIMULATE HEMODYNAMICS

摘要

A system for hemodynamic simulation comprises a vessel (12) having properties of a blood vessel, a reservoir (14) containing a quantity of fluid, tubing (24) connecting the vessel (12) and reservoir (14), and at least one pump (22) for circulating the fluid within the system. Fluid can be tissue culture medium or blood analog fluid, and the vessel (12) may include mammalian cells attached to its inside. A drive system (44), comprising two reciprocating drive shafts (50, 52) that are coupled by a cam (54), enables the uncoupling of pulsatile flow and pulsatile pressure to provide independent control over wall shear stress and cirumferential 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.