MR-Compatible Pump for the Validation of PC-MRI Flow Measurements

Abstract The technique of PC-MRI flow measurement offers a great opportunity to diagnose and understand the pathogenesis of various diseases and clinical pictures. Although previously criticized for its lack of accuracy, the method is now expanding the possibilities in several research areas. In this study, the design of an MR-compatible pump for the validation of PC-MRI flow measurements is presented. Initial PC-MRI measurements have demonstrated MRcompatibility and the ability to record artifact-free flows. The flow generated by the pump was further measured with an ultrasound flow sensor and compared with a physiological flow curve. The results showed that both the course and the minima and maxima match. Thus, the resulting pump generates a bidirectional, pulsatile flow within a physiological range and a variable frequency between 60-90 rpm with a stroke volume of 0.9 ml. Further flows, frequencies and stroke volumes can be adjusted. This enables the validation of PCMRI flow measurements and addresses current difficulties such as the lack of in vivo data.