Magnetic resonance flow velocity and temperature mapping of a shape memory polymer foam device.

Ward Small, Erica Gjersing, Julie L Herberg, Thomas S Wilson, Duncan J Maitland

Index: Biomed. Eng. Online 8 , 42, (2009)

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Abstract

Interventional medical devices based on thermally responsive shape memory polymer (SMP) are under development to treat stroke victims. The goals of these catheter-delivered devices include re-establishing blood flow in occluded arteries and preventing aneurysm rupture. Because these devices alter the hemodynamics and dissipate thermal energy during the therapeutic procedure, a first step in the device development process is to investigate fluid velocity and temperature changes following device deployment.A laser-heated SMP foam device was deployed in a simplified in vitro vascular model. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques were used to assess the fluid dynamics and thermal changes associated with device deployment.Spatial maps of the steady-state fluid velocity and temperature change inside and outside the laser-heated SMP foam device were acquired.Though non-physiological conditions were used in this initial study, the utility of MRI in the development of a thermally-activated SMP foam device has been demonstrated.