Development of a Functional Phantom with Dynamic Flow Control for Simulation of Cardiopathies in Ultrasonographic Evaluation

Millena Victoria Azevedo de Souza, Marcia Roberta souza, Fernanda Silva de Oliveira Vastag, valeria alves alencar, Luiz Carlos da Silva, Jeferson C Dias
Fatec Osasco


Abstract

Aims: This study supports Doppler ultrasound calibration and professional training through the development of a circulatory system phantom capable of simulating various flow types associated with cardiac diseases: continuous, pulsatile, retrograde, intermittent, and turbulent. Methods: The phantom was built using materials that mimic tissue, vessels, and blood. Vessels were 3D printed in a Y-shape using PLA, while the blood analog consisted of a glycerin and deionized water mix. The system includes an acrylic box, a peristaltic pump (2–5 l/min), solenoid valves, and sensors for flow, pressure, and velocity, all managed by an Arduino Uno microcontroller. A calibration grid using steel spheres of varying diameters was used to verify ultrasound measurements. Flow visualization was achieved with a Samsung Madison L5-13 IS linear transducer (6–12 MHz) and an Accuvix V10 ultrasound machine. Results: The phantom successfully simulated all intended flow types: pulsatile (10–150 cm/s), laminar (10–60 cm/s), turbulent (+200 cm/s), retrograde (20–50 cm/s), and intermittent (5–30 cm/s). Doppler imaging showed readings consistent with clinical expectations, validating the model's functionality. Conclusion: The developed phantom effectively reproduces physiological flow patterns, supporting both device calibration and medical training. Doppler measurements confirmed the system's reliability for educational and technical purposes.