The modular imaging box was created, and was designed based on the geometric constraints measured from the clinical CT scanner currently used at the Jacobs Medical Center. The interior of the modular box spans the length of the scanner’s imaging zone to allow any flow within that area to be imaged. The box theoretically allows for up to three uniform mixing chambers to be imaged simultaneously

A major consideration for the system design was automation and experimental versatility for medical imaging researchers. The end product of this system consists of a reservoir unit for storage of iodine contrast, an automatic LabVIEW-controlled syringe pump for contrast injection, a fluid pump located outside of the CT bore, and a modular housing unit, which I’ll go into later, containing the mixing chamber.

A contrast agent is necessary to visualize flow for the proper analysis of hemodynamic fields. Additionally, we had to account for the limited imaging window during which CT images of fluid flow could be acquired. Because of this, we ended up deciding to fabricate a mixing chamber with a uniform, circular coil design, which allows for maximal imaging distance, as well as homogeneous perfusion of iodine contrast.