Noninvasive Characterization of Velocity Profiles and Shear Rates within Microcirculation System Using a Novel Micro-Ultrasound Imaging Technique

We have recently developed a novel contrast-based micro echo particle imaging technique (Micro-EPIV) for non-invasively measuring multi-component flow vectors and flow-induced shear stress in microscale tube flow or in vivo small blood flows. In this study, the measuring principle and system characterization are first introduced. Then, the Micro-EPIV technique is applied to examine flows in several small tubes of different geometric shapes, and detailed velocity vector and contour distribution, and shear distribution are obtained. The results are verified by ultrasound Doppler technique and analytical solutions, and are confirmed by the results from several previous literatures.