Blood Flow Rate Estimation via CFD Temperature Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring blood flow rate in the vascular system are challenging due to issues like patient motion artifacts, limited time resolution, sensor orientation, signal noise, and the complex nature of blood flow.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a processor to receive temperature measurements over time from multiple positions in the vascular system, generate computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations based on vascular geometry, and compare these simulations to actual temperature measurements to estimate blood flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If temperature measurements are taken to estimate blood flow rate, then blood flow rate can be measured non-invasively, but measurement accuracy is reduced due to patient motion artifacts, signal noise, and limited time resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computational model as an intermediary between the temperature measurements and the blood flow rate estimation. The computational model incorporates patient-specific anatomical geometry and physiological parameters to simulate heat transfer in the vascular system, thereby compensating for measurement errors caused by motion artifacts and noise. This intermediary processing layer transforms noisy temperature data into more reliable blood flow rate estimates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs iterative optimization where the computational model predictions are compared with actual temperature measurements, and the model parameters are adjusted to minimize the difference. This feedback mechanism allows the system to compensate for measurement errors and adapt to patient-specific conditions, improving measurement accuracy while maintaining non-invasive operation.
2Measurement precision
If computational models with patient-specific geometry are used to improve measurement accuracy, then blood flow rate estimation precision is improved, but system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by acquiring patient-specific anatomical geometry (through imaging or reconstruction) and pre-processing this data into a computational model before the actual blood flow measurement. This preparation work, including mesh generation and boundary condition setup, is done in advance to enable faster and more accurate real-time or near-real-time blood flow rate estimation during the measurement phase.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of blood flow rate estimation by minimizing the impact of measurement errors and providing a reliable method for assessing vascular health.
Implementation Method 1
generate a plurality of computational fluid dynamic, CFD, simulations of temperatures in the vascular system using the geometry of the vascular system as boundary conditions
Implementation Method 2
receive at least two temperature measurements over time of at least two positions in the vascular system
Implementation Method 3
estimate the blood flow rate in the vascular system by comparing the temperature measurements over time to the simulated temperatures over time associated with different CFD input parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for estimating the blood flow rate in the vascular system of a subject, the system comprising a processor configured to execute memorized instructions to obtain at least two temperature measurements over time of at least two positions in the vascular system and generate a plurality of computational fluid dynamic, CFD, simulations of blood flow and temperatures in the vascular system using the geometry of the vascular system as boundary conditions, wherein each CFD simulation corresponds to respective CFD input parameters. The processor is further configured to obtain, from each CFD simulation, simulated temperatures over time at positions corresponding to the positions in the vascular system and estimate the blood flow rate in the vascular system including comparing the temperature measurements over time to the simulated temperatures over time corresponding to different CFD input parameters.