Air attenuates (blocks) ultrasound transmission. It is therefore necessary to fill the acoustical window within a perivascular flowprobe with an acoustical couplant during acute use. Although couplants are viscous enough to loosely adhere between the probe and vessel, the combination of temperature and time eventually overcomes surface tension and melts out the couplant. The couplant then has to be replenished. Best results are achieved with close probe-vessel fits.
Acoustical Couplants
In ongoing efforts to improve the accuracy of perivascular probes, Transonic Systems has recently evaluated the influence of couplants. The following media were tested for acoustical match with blood and vessel wall and were rated for suitability as a coupling agent with Transonic perivascular flowprobes: Aquasonic 100, HR jelly, Surgilube, Nalco 1181, and Saline.
The coupling media are presented in order of least influence on measurement accuracy.
- Surgilube
- HR Lubricating Jelly (very close to Surgilube, almost as good)
- Aquasonic-100 (only marginally satisfactory)
- Nalco 1181 (acceptable if mixed with Surgilube; unacceptable when mixed with saline)
- Saline (unsatisfactory, gives variable readings)
Surgilube
Surgilube has proved to be the best acoustical couplant. It is a bacteriostatic surgical lubricant by E. Fougera & Co. Sterile packets (3g, 5g) and tubes (4.25 oz) are available from most hospital supply stores.
HR Lubricating Jelly
Acoustically close to Surgilube, HR Lubricating Jelly is a water soluble hospital lubricant. Supplied in 5 oz. tubes; available from Mohawk Hospital Supply.
Nalco 1181
This super absorbent powder expands into a thick viscous gel when exposed to fluids and can be used in long-term acute experiments. Nalco 1181 added to Surgilube maintains the acoustic characteristics of Surgilube; Nalco 1181 added to saline is less accurate as a couplant and is not recommended. The compound has a low biotoxicity rating (it is used in disposable diapers).
NOTE: Nalco 1181 should be used only for acute terminal animal research.
The compound is prepared as follows:
- Homogeneously disperse approximately 0.1g Nalco 1181 powder to 20 mL Surgilube.
- Allow to stand 15 minutes. Then stir again.
- Transfer the gel to a luer lock syringe and centrifuge for 10 minutes to remove air bubbles.
- Result should be a translucent gel with no visible air bubbles.
Saline
Saline is the worst couplant choice and should be used only in exceptional situations when no other couplant can be used. Saline is an acoustic mismatch to blood and can produce unpredictable variability in flow readings.
Coagulated Blood
This has not been tested for acoustic properties in Transonic trials. It has been observed that the use of blood as a couplant can cause spasm and should not be used on small vessels.