MicroCT Imaging of Heart Valve Tissue in Fluid.
Exp Mech
; 61(1): 253-261, 2021 Jan.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34326554
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Heart valve computational models require high quality geometric input data, commonly obtained using micro-computed tomography. Whether in the open or closed configuration, most studies utilize dry valves, which poses significant challenges including gravitational and surface tension effects along with desiccation induced mechanical changes.OBJECTIVE:
These challenges are overcome by scanning in a stress-free configuration in fluid. Utilizing fluid backgrounds however reduces overall contrast due to the similar density of fluid and tissue.METHODS:
The work presented here demonstrates imaging of the mitral valve by utilizing an iodine-based staining solution to improve the contrast of valve tissue against a fluid background and investigates the role of stain time and concentration.RESULTS:
It is determined that an Olea europaea oil bath with a relatively high concentration, short stain time approach produces high quality imagery suitable for creating accurate 3D renderings.CONCLUSIONS:
Micro-CT scanning of heart valves in fluid is shown to be feasible using iodine staining techniques.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
Exp Mech
Year:
2021
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States