Artery phantoms for intravascular optical coherence tomography: healthy arteries

Biomed Opt Express. 2011 Sep 1;2(9):2599-613. doi: 10.1364/BOE.2.002599. Epub 2011 Aug 15.

Abstract

We present a method to make phantoms of coronary arteries for intravascular optical coherence tomography (IV-OCT). The phantoms provide a calibrated OCT response similar to the layered structure of arteries. The optical properties of each layer are achieved with specific concentrations of alumina and carbon black in a silicone matrix. This composition insures high durability and also approximates the elastic properties of arteries. The phantoms are fabricated in a tubular shape by the successive deposition and curing of liquid silicone mixtures on a lathe setup.

Keywords: (110.4500) Optical coherence tomography; (170.6935) Tissue characterization.