Noninvasive monitoring of blood flow using a single magnetic microsphere

Sci Rep. 2019 Mar 21;9(1):5014. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-41416-6.

Abstract

Noninvasive medical imaging of blood flow relies on mapping the transit of a contrast medium bolus injected intravenously. This has the draw-back that the front of the bolus widens until the tissue of interest is reached and quantitative flow parameters are not easy to obtain. Here, we introduce high resolution (millimeter/millisecond) 3D magnetic tracking of a single microsphere locally probing the flow while passing through a vessel. With this, we successfully localize and evaluate diameter constrictions in an arteria phantom after a single passage of a microsphere. We further demonstrate the potential for clinical application by tracking a microsphere smaller than a red blood cell.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Flow Velocity
  • Contrast Media / chemistry
  • Contrast Media / pharmacology*
  • Coronary Circulation / physiology
  • Hemodynamics*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Phenomena
  • Microspheres*
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Regional Blood Flow*

Substances

  • Contrast Media