A collaborative effort between Samara State Medical University of the Russian Ministry of Health and engineers from Samara National Research University named after Academician SP. Koroleva has produced a device that simulates intra-arterial circulation. The project was disclosed in the press service of Russia’s Ministry of Education and Science program Priority 2030 to socialbites.ca.
It is described as a closed system that recreates an arterial vessel. The core component is a glass tube integrated with a rotameter, featuring an inlet and an outlet to determine the volume of fluid flowing per unit time. Within this setup, arterial blood flow can be modeled under different rhythm conditions. A diaphragm can be attached to mimic plaque buildup in a vein, enabling researchers to observe how obstructions influence flow. The project’s lead investigator and director of the International Center for Science and Education in Cardiovascular Pathology and Cardioimaging explained this configuration and its purpose to Gazeta Ru.
Flexible silicone tubing runs along both sides of the rotameter, connecting to an electric pump that can operate in multiple modes. These modes imitate normal pulse waves, extrasystoles, and atrial fibrillation. To approximate the viscosity of blood, the system uses an aqueous glycerol solution diluted with water. This blend helps researchers study how viscosity affects hemodynamics under different heart rhythms.
The model can be further enhanced with additional indicators via a special valve. For example, a colorant such as stationery ink may be introduced to visualize liquid flow paths, while a pressure sensor can monitor dynamic changes within the simulated vessel.
The device is intended for use in experimental cardiology to study arterial hemodynamics under normal and disrupted cardiac rhythms. Researchers anticipate that this experimental platform will help clarify how flow patterns behave under various conditions and provide a more accurate understanding of how heart rhythms influence arterial circulation.
According to the researchers, the experimental phase is designed to validate and objectively evaluate the hemodynamic patterns observed in clinical studies. They emphasize that controlled experimentation offers visibility, ease of use, and repeatability that can illuminate ongoing physiological processes. They express optimism about future discoveries that could deepen knowledge of the circulatory system as a whole.
Historically, the topic has also included discussions around hypertension management and its prevention, where early studies highlighted how a single intervention can impact blood pressure over extended periods.