Computational Fluid Dynamics and Its Impact on Flow Measurements Using Phase-Contrast MR-Angiography

Claus Kiefer, Frauke Kellner-Weldon

Support Center for Advanced Neuroimaging, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Bern (Inselspital), Bern, Switzerland.

DOI: 10.4236/ojmi.2012.21004                

Abstract

Rationale and Objectives: Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations are discussed with respect to their potential for quality assurance of flow quantification using commercial software for the evaluation of magnetic resonance phase contrast angiography (PCA) data. Materials and Methods: Magnetic resonance phase contrast angiography data was evaluated with the Nova software. CFD simulations were performed on that part of the vessel system where the flow behavior was unexpected or non-reliable. The CFD simulations were performed with in-house written software. Results: The numerical CFD calculations demonstrated that under reasonable boundary conditions, defined by the PCA velocity values, the flow behavior within the critical parts of the vessel system can be correctly reproduced. Conclusion: CFD simulations are an important extension to commercial flow quantification tools with regard to quality assurance.

Keywords

CFD; Flow, Phase Contrast; Angiography; Quality Assurance

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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