Measurement of the effect of calcium ions on thrombus formation using process tomography

T. Fusea, Y. Asakuraa, A. Sapkotaa, O. Maruyamab, R. Kosakab,

T. Yamanec, M. Takeia

aDivision of Artificial Systems Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, Japan

bInsutitute of Human Science and Engineering, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Japan

cDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, Japan

Abstract

Currently, patients who undergo extracorporeal blood circulation require regular antithrombotic drugs which cause side-effects. In order to minimize the side-effect, the thrombus needs to be detected in its early stage. In this study, we have investigated the effects of calcium ion on thrombus formation by measuring time variation of the relative resistivity. The visualization of thrombus formation after adding an aqueous solution of calcium chloride (CaCl2) of different concentrations to the blood has been accomplished using electrical resistivity tomography technique. The thrombosis started earlier with relatively large thrombus at the end for increased concentration of calcium ions.

Keywords: Process tomography; Thrombus; Artificial heart