3D Printed Coronary Models for Non-Invasive FFR Prediction

The patent creates physical 3D printed copies of patient-specific coronary artery geometries based on CT angiography data. These printed models replicate the actual arterial structure including plaques and stenoses, allowing external observation and measurement without invasive procedures. The models serve as safe, reusable copies that preserve diagnostic information while eliminating the need for repeated invasive wire insertions.

The patent replaces the mechanical invasive pressure wire system with an optical measurement system. By using transparent or translucent 3D printed models, the system substitutes direct mechanical insertion with external optical imaging techniques to measure hemodynamic parameters like pressure drops and flow patterns, thereby eliminating procedural risks while maintaining measurement capability.

The patent employs inexpensive, rapidly manufacturable 3D printed models that can be produced in minutes to hours rather than requiring hours or days of computational simulation. The additive manufacturing process creates disposable or single-use physical models that provide immediate results, replacing the time-consuming iterative nature of CFD simulations with rapid physical prototyping and direct measurement.

The patent performs preliminary actions by creating physical models before actual measurement is needed. The 3D printing process pre-establishes the coronary geometry with embedded sensors and flow loops, so that when diagnostic measurement is required, the system is already prepared and can provide immediate results without requiring time-consuming computational setup and simulation during the diagnostic moment.

The patent uses composite material approaches in 3D printing, combining different materials with varying degrees of flexibility, transparency, and mechanical properties to replicate different tissue types. By integrating multiple materials during the printing process, the system achieves realistic biomechanical behavior of coronary tissues including the compliance of arterial walls and the properties of plaques, while the additive manufacturing process itself manages the complexity of combining these materials.

The patent applies local quality by varying material properties at different locations within the 3D printed model. Different regions of the coronary artery model use materials with specific mechanical properties matched to local tissue characteristics - such as stiffer materials for calcified plaque regions and more compliant materials for healthy arterial segments. This localized material differentiation achieves high biomechanical accuracy while the digital printing process automatically manages the complexity of spatially varying material composition.