Patient-Specific Coronary Blood Flow Modeling for Noninvasive FFR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing coronary artery lesions, such as CCTA and diagnostic cardiac catheterization, fail to provide accurate functional significance of lesions, leading to unnecessary invasive procedures and healthcare costs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system and method for creating patient-specific three-dimensional models of the heart to determine fractional flow reserve (FFR) and blood flow characteristics using physics-based models, allowing noninvasive assessment of lesion significance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If noninvasive tests such as CCTA are used to image coronary arteries, then anatomic data can be obtained, but direct information on functional significance of lesions and blood flow rates cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations as an intermediary tool that processes CCTA anatomic data to generate functional information. The CFD model acts as a mediator between the structural imaging data and the functional assessment, enabling derivation of blood flow rates, pressure gradients, and fractional flow reserve values without direct invasive measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive pressure wire measurement system with a computational physics-based model. Instead of physically inserting catheters and pressure wires into coronary arteries, the system uses numerical simulations based on Navier-Stokes equations to compute hemodynamic parameters from noninvasive CCTA data, substituting mechanical intervention with computational analysis
2Measurement precision
If diagnostic cardiac catheterization with CCA is performed to visualize coronary lesions, then anatomic images are obtained, but functional significance assessment is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the coronary artery system through patient-specific 3D modeling from CCTA data. This digital twin allows for repeated computational experimentation and functional assessment without subjecting the patient to additional invasive procedures. The virtual model replicates the anatomical structure and enables in-silico hemodynamic analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The computational fluid dynamics simulation serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between CCA anatomical imaging and functional assessment. Rather than requiring invasive pressure measurements, the CFD model computes functional parameters such as fractional flow reserve and blood flow rates from the anatomical geometry, eliminating the need for additional invasive instrumentation
3Measurement precision
If invasive FFR measurement is performed to assess lesion functional significance, then accurate functional data is obtained, but the cost and risk of invasive diagnostic catheterization must be incurred first
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary computational hemodynamic analysis using CCTA data before deciding whether invasive FFR measurement is necessary. By pre-assessing the functional significance of lesions through physics-based simulations on the noninvasive anatomical data, the system can identify which lesions require further invasive evaluation and which can be managed conservatively, thereby reducing unnecessary invasive procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the invasive mechanical FFR measurement system with a noninvasive computational alternative. The physics-based CFD model replaces the need for inserting pressure wires and performing invasive catheterization, providing equivalent functional assessment data through numerical simulations that eliminate procedural risks and reduce healthcare costs
4Reliability
If stents are inserted for every lesion found with CCA regardless of functional significance, then all lesions are treated, but unnecessary operations and healthcare costs result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces functional hemodynamic parameters (such as fractional flow reserve values and blood flow rate changes) as additional decision-making criteria beyond anatomical lesion severity. By evaluating lesions based on their actual functional impact on myocardial perfusion rather than solely on anatomical narrowing degree, the system enables more precise patient selection for revascularization procedures, avoiding unnecessary stenting of hemodynamically insignificant lesions
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for providing a noninvasively derived fractional flow reserve and a computerized model of a portion of an anatomy of a patient, the system comprising: at least one computer system configured to: create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of multiple coronary arteries emanating from the patient's aorta, using patient-specific imaging data derived from a noninvasive imaging source; create a blood flow model representing blood flow through at least a portion of multiple coronary arteries; determine a fractional flow reserve value for at least one location of the coronary arteries, using the three-dimensional model and the blood flow model and without using any invasive fractional flow reserve measurement technique; and display the three-dimensional model and the determined fractional flow reserve value together on a display device.