3D Vascular Tree Modeling for Noninvasive FFR Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing vascular stenosis severity, such as Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR), have limitations in the 'grey zone' of 0.75-0.8, leading to uncertain clinical significance, and existing vascular modeling techniques are invasive or lack real-time diagnostic capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method for vascular assessment using a first vascular model to determine flow characteristics, generating a modified model with reduced stenosis, and calculating a flow index by comparing the models to predict the impact of stenosis removal, utilizing 2-D angiographic images to construct a vascular tree model for real-time diagnostic purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive pressure-based FFR measurement is used to assess stenosis severity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to invasive procedure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient's vascular system using 3D reconstruction from angiographic images. This virtual model allows non-invasive simulation of pressure-based FFR measurements by computationally modeling blood flow dynamics, eliminating the need for physical wire insertion while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive pressure measurement system with a computational fluid dynamics model. Instead of physically inserting pressure wires into vessels, the system uses software-based simulation to calculate pressure gradients and flow characteristics, substituting mechanical intervention with algorithmic analysis
2Reliability
If traditional FFR measurement is used to guide revascularization, then reliability is improved for clear cases, but loss of time increases due to invasive procedure requirements and grey zone uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary 3D reconstruction and computational modeling of the vascular system before making clinical decisions. By pre-calculating flow dynamics and pressure gradients from available angiographic images, the system provides FFR estimates without requiring additional invasive procedures, reducing overall diagnostic time
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual vascular model serves as a digital twin that can be repeatedly analyzed without additional patient intervention. This copy allows multiple scenarios to be tested (different stenosis severities, treatment options) without extending procedure time, providing rapid decision support
3Ease of operation
If simple geometrical parameters are used to assess stenosis, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates in the grey zone of 0.75-0.8
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from simple geometrical parameters (visual estimation, percent diameter) to hemodynamically-based parameters (pressure gradients, flow rates) through computational modeling. This parameter transformation enables precise quantification of stenosis severity in the grey zone by calculating actual physiological impact rather than relying on visual assessment
4Measurement precision
If detailed 3D vascular modeling is performed to assess flow characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time worsen due to processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vascular system into discrete 3D models of individual vessels and stenotic segments. This segmentation allows focused computational analysis on only the relevant pathological areas rather than modeling the entire circulatory system, reducing computational complexity while maintaining precision for clinical decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for performing a vascular assessment is disclosed. The apparatus creates a three-dimensional model that is representative of a coronary vessel tree of a patient based on at least two angiographic images. The apparatus estimates first blood flow resistance values for points along at least some vascular segments of the coronary vessel tree using vascular geometrical dimensions of the three-dimensional model. The apparatus also estimates second blood flow resistance values for the points along the at the least some vascular segments of the coronary vessel tree using a volume of a crown of the vascular segment downstream from the respective point. The apparatus determines fractional flow reserve (“FFR”) by calculating a ration of the first blood flow resistance values and the second blood flow resistance values at each of the points along the at least some vascular segments of the coronary vessel tree.