Magnetic resonance flow velocity and temperature mapping of a shape memory polymer foam device

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Interventional medical devices based on thermally responsive shape memory polymer (SMP) are under development to treat stroke victims. The goals of these catheter-delivered devices include re-establishing blood flow in occluded arteries and preventing aneurysm rupture. Because these devices alter the hemodynamics and dissipate thermal energy during the therapeutic procedure, a first step in the device development process is to investigate fluid velocity and temperature changes following device deployment.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A laser-heated SMP foam device was deployed in a simplified <it>in vitro </it>vascular model. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques were used to assess the fluid dynamics and thermal changes associated with device deployment.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Spatial maps of the steady-state fluid velocity and temperature change inside and outside the laser-heated SMP foam device were acquired.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Though non-physiological conditions were used in this initial study, the utility of MRI in the development of a thermally-activated SMP foam device has been demonstrated.</p