Fundamental validation of flow volume measurement by ultrasound pulse Doppler method using simulated circuit

Abstract

[Background and Purpose] When measuring blood flow volume of the brachial artery, values may differ depending on measurement sites if the artery meanders. In this study, we aimed to verify the accuracy of flow volume measurement by echo and appropriate measurement sites for tortuous vessels. [Methods] The accuracy of flow volume measurement was verified by circulating a specified flow rate of pseudo-blood through a simulated circuit using an arterial pump and measuring the flow volume in a simulated straight vessel. In addition, flow volume was measured at multiple locations in a meandering simulated blood vessel model to verify the accuracy of each measurement site. Flow volume was also compared with time-averaged flow velocity (TAV) and time-averaged maximum flow velocity (TAMV). [Results] The blood flow volume calculated by TAV was underestimated immediately after passing through the meander, and became closer to the specified blood flow volume on moving away from the meander. [Conclusion] TAV was shown to be more accurate than TAMV for blood flow volume measurement. In addition, when measuring blood flow volume in meandering vessels, it is preferable to measure blood flow at a site away from any meandering passage.