Review of tissue simulating phantoms with controllable optical, mechanical and structural properties for use in optical coherence tomography.

We review the development of phantoms for optical coherence tomography (OCT) designed to replicate the optical, mechanical and structural properties of a range of tissues. Such phantoms are a key requirement for the continued development of OCT techniques and applications. We focus on phantoms based on silicone, fibrin and poly(vinyl alcohol) cryogels (PVA-C), as we believe these materials hold the most promise for durable and accurate replication of tissue properties.

Formulations of polyvinyl alcohol cryogel that mimic the biomechanical properties of soft tissues in the natural lumbar intervertebral disc.

Study Design: An original investigation that characterizes polyvinyl alcohol cryogel (PVA-C) in the context of the human lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD).

Objectives: To evaluate the mechanical properties of PVA-C under physiological conditions; to assess PVA-C's suitability as a key component in a tissue-mimicking artificial lumbar intervertebral disc; and to identify suitable formulations that mimic the nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus.

Summary Of Background Data: Current lumbar intervertebral disc prostheses provide suboptimal symptom relief and do not restore natural load-cushioning.

Design of functional simulation of renal cancer in virtual reality environments.

Objectives: The preoperative planning of partial nephrectomy can be facilitated by the ability to view the tumor and surrounding tissue in three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR). A technique to convert Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine computed tomography scan data into a fully 3D VR environment was developed. The model can be transferred to a personal computer, allowing the surgeon to view the 3D model in the operating room.

Measurement and reconstruction of the leaflet geometry for a pericardial artificial heart valve.

This paper describes the measurement and reconstruction of the leaflet geometry for a pericardial heart valve. Tasks involved include mapping the leaflet geometries by laser digitizing and reconstructing the 3D freeform leaflet surface based on a laser scanned profile. The challenge is to design a prosthetic valve that maximizes the benefits offered to the recipient as compared to the normally operating naturally-occurring valve.

Design and manufacture of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogel tri-leaflet heart valve prosthesis.

Although current artificial heart valves are life sustaining medical devices, improvements are still necessary to address deficiencies. Bioprosthetic valves have a compromised fatigue life, while mechanical valves have better durability but are prone to thromboembolic complications. A novel, one-piece, tricuspid valve, consisting of leaflets, stent and sewing ring, made entirely from the hydrogel, polyvinyl alcohol cryogel (PVA-C), has been developed and demonstrated.