The Current State of Mock Circulatory Loop Applications in Aortic and Cardiovascular Research: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Mock circulatory loops (MCLs) are benchtop experimental platforms that reproduce key features of the human cardiovascular system, providing a safe, controlled, and reproducible environment for haemodynamic investigation. This scoping review aims to systematically map the current landscape of MCLs used for aortic simulation and identify major areas of application. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified original studies employing MCLs for aortic simulation. Eligible studies were categorized into predefined themes: (I) (bio)mechanical aortic characterization, (II) hemodynamics, (III) device testing, (IV) diagnostics, and (V) training. Data on MCL configurations, aortic models, and study objectives were synthesized narratively. Results: Eighty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-five investigated aortic biomechanics, 23 hemodynamics, 22 device or product testing, 13 validated diagnostic imaging techniques, and one training application. Models included porcine (n = 22), human cadaveric (n = 7), canine (n = 1), ovine (n = 1), bovine (n = 1), and 3D-printed or molded aortic phantoms (n = 55). MCLs were employed to study parameters such as aortic stiffness, flow dynamics, dissection propagation, endoleaks, imaging accuracy, and device performance. Conclusions: This review provides a comprehensive overview of MCL applications in aortic research. MCLs represent a versatile pre-clinical platform for studying aortic pathophysiology and testing endovascular therapies under controlled conditions. Standardized reporting frameworks are now required to improve reproducibility and accelerate translation to patient-specific planning.