Computer Controlled Device to Independently Control Flow Waveform Parameters During Organ Culture and Biomechanical Testing of Mouse Carotid Arteries

Understanding the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease progression is essential in developing novel therapies to combat this disease that contributes to 1 in 3 deaths in the United States every year. Endothelial dysfunction and its effects on vessel growth and remodeling are key factors in the progression and localization of atherosclerosis. Much of our understanding in this area has come from in-vivo and in-vitro experiments. However, perfused organ culture systems provide an alternative approach[1]. Organ culture systems can provide a more controlled mechanical, neural, and hormonal environment compared to in-vivo models. This study focused on furthering development of an organ culture model for mouse arteries by introducing a novel device to produce flow waveforms at the high frequencies and low mean flows seen in the mouse model.