Modeling Physiological Flow Variation in Fontan Models with 4d Flow Mri, Particle Image Velocimetry, and Arterial Spin Labeling.

The Fontan procedure is a successful palliation for single ventricle defect. Yet, a number of complications still occur in Fontan patients due to abnormal blood flow dynamics, necessitating improved flow analysis and treatment methods. Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a suitable method for such flow analysis. However, limitations on altering physiological blood flow conditions in the patient while in the MRI bore inhibit experimental investigation of a variety of factors that contribute to impaired cardiovascular health in these patients. Furthermore, resolution and flow regime limitations in phase contrast MRI pose a challenge for accurate and consistent flow characterization. In this study, patient-specific physical models were created based on nine Fontan geometries and MRI experiments mimicking low and high flow conditions, as well as steady and pulsatile flow, were conducted. Additionally, an optically transparent Fontan model was created for flow analyses using a particle image velocimetry (PIV) system, arterial spin labeling (ASL), and four-dimensional (4D) flow MRI. Differences, though non-statistically significant, were observed between flow conditions and between patient-specific models. Large between-model variation supported the need for further improvement for patient-specific modeling on each unique Fontan anatomical configuration. Furthermore, high resolution PIV and flow tracking ASL data provided flow information that was not obtainable with 4D flow MRI alone. Copyright (c) 2019 by ASME.