3D Printed Coronary Models for Non-Invasive FFR Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating coronary artery disease, such as invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR), are limited in assessing microcirculatory resistance and patient-specific ischemic thresholds, and do not consider time-varying local blood flow patterns or additional risk factors for myocardial infarction, while computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is hindered by assumptions and computational complexity.
Innovation Solution
The development of 3D printed coronary models from CT angiography data, incorporating realistic tissue mechanics and adjustable flow profiles, allows for non-invasive measurement of hemodynamics and biomechanics using particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) and flexible strain sensors, enabling prediction of FFR and evaluation of coronary interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) is used to evaluate coronary artery disease, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient invasiveness and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates physical 3D printed copies of patient-specific coronary anatomy that replicate the geometric and mechanical properties of the actual vasculature. These models serve as external substitutes for invasive intravascular measurements, allowing FFR assessment without inserting pressure wires into the patient's coronary arteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive measurement system (pressure wires and catheters) with a computational-physics-based system using patient-specific computational fluid dynamics simulations on 3D printed models. This substitution eliminates the need for physical intrusion into the patient's vasculature while maintaining measurement capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to provide non-invasive alternative to FFR, then patient invasiveness is reduced, but computational complexity and assumption limitations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating patient-specific models with locally varied material properties that match the mechanical characteristics of different coronary segments. The 3D printed models incorporate spatially varying tissue mechanics and geometric features specific to each patient's anatomy, allowing localized accurate simulation without requiring overly complex global assumptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing patient imaging data to create accurate 3D geometric models and material property maps before conducting fluid dynamics simulations. This pre-characterization of anatomy and tissue mechanics reduces the need for complex real-time computational assumptions during the actual FFR assessment.
3Ease of operation
If traditional FFR measurement is used, then procedural simplicity is maintained, but ability to assess microcirculatory resistance and time-varying hemodynamics is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal assessment platform that can evaluate multiple hemodynamic parameters simultaneously - including FFR, microcirculatory resistance, time-varying flow patterns, and plaque stress - all from the same patient-specific model. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized procedures while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by simulating time-varying coronary hemodynamics and plaque mechanics throughout the cardiac cycle. The models capture dynamic interactions between blood flow, vessel wall deformation, and plaque stress, providing temporal resolution that static measurements cannot achieve.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These models provide a more comprehensive and predictive assessment of coronary mechanics, accounting for microcirculation and tissue stresses, and can be used to test interventions, offering improved prognostic utility and additional predictive value for myocardial infarction risk.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating flexible strain sensors directly into the 3D print model
Implementation Method 2
enables the measurement of hemodynamics and biomechanics using particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) and TOMO-PIV
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure describes a system that can enable the prediction of coronary flow without invasive medical procedure. The system can generate physical models that can provide an accurate assessment of coronary mechanics and enable realistic simulation of coronary procedures. The models can enable the hemodynamic measurement of flow through the model and the study of flow dynamics through the model and the biomechanics of the model.