Non-invasive Coronary Flow Simulation via Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging techniques provide limited functional assessment of coronary circulation, lacking non-invasive methods to determine coronary circulation parameters during rest and hyperemic states, which are crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive approach using a feedback control system and iterative parameter estimation framework, based on anatomical models of the coronary tree derived from imaging, adjusts boundary conditions to match rest state measurements, allowing for simulations of hyperemic states to determine coronary flow and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive measures are taken to obtain functional assessment of coronary tree, then measurement precision is improved, but patient risk and invasiveness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical measurement systems with a non-invasive computational fluid dynamics model that uses imaging data and boundary conditions to simulate coronary flow and pressure, eliminating the need for invasive catheter-based measurements while providing functional assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computational model as an intermediary between imaging data and functional assessment, using a feedback control system with controllers to iteratively adjust boundary conditions and match measured data, thereby obtaining functional parameters without direct invasive measurement
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive imaging is used, then patient risk is reduced, but functional assessment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where controllers continuously compare simulated output variables (flow, pressure) with measured patient data and adjust boundary conditions accordingly, enabling the non-invasive model to achieve functional assessment accuracy comparable to invasive methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary determination of rest boundary conditions from non-invasive imaging and measurements before simulating hyperemic states, allowing the system to establish accurate baseline parameters that enable subsequent functional assessment without invasive procedures
3Measurement precision
If detailed functional assessment is obtained, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but measurement complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into distinct components: determining rest boundary conditions from imaging, implementing a feedback control system for rest state simulation, adjusting boundary conditions for hyperemia, and performing flow computation, thereby managing complexity through structured modular steps
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to non-invasively determining coronary circulation parameters during a rest state and a hyperemic state for a patient. The blood flow in the coronary arteries during a hyperemic state provides a functional assessment of the patient's coronary vessel tree. Imaging techniques are used to obtain an anatomical model of the patient's coronary tree. Rest boundary conditions are computed based on non-invasive measurements taken at a rest state, and estimated hyperemic boundary conditions are computed. A feedback control system performs a simulation matching the rest state utilizing a model based on the anatomical model and a plurality of controllers, each controller relating to respective output variables of the coronary tree. The model parameters are adjusted for the output variables to be in agreement with the rest state measurements, and the hyperemic boundary conditions are accordingly adjusted. The hyperemic boundary conditions are used to compute coronary flow and coronary pressure variables.