Embolus Destination Prediction via Patient-Specific CFD

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack the ability to accurately predict embolus destination and source locations in the vasculature, which is crucial for assessing patient risk and determining effective treatment strategies for embolic events.

Innovation Solution

The system uses patient-specific anatomic models generated from imaging data to calculate blood flow characteristics and simulate embolus trajectories, determining destination probabilities and identifying vulnerable locations for emboli, thereby enabling targeted treatment plans.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If particle tracking through simulated blood flow is performed to determine embolus destination probability, then measurement precision of embolus destination is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveembolus destination prediction accuracyVSAvoidcomputational model complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient's vasculature through computational modeling. Particle tracking is performed in this simulated environment rather than requiring complex physical tracking devices. The computational model replicates blood flow characteristics, allowing destination probability determination through virtual particle injection and tracking, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing physical device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces potential mechanical or physical tracking systems with computational fluid dynamics simulations. Instead of using physical particles or mechanical tracking devices in the bloodstream, the system uses numerical simulations to track virtual particles through the computational model of blood flow, substituting a complex mechanical approach with a computational one that achieves similar predictive accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If patient-specific anatomic models are generated from imaging data to calculate blood flow characteristics, then reliability of embolism prediction is improved, but loss of time in data processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveembolism prediction accuracyVSAvoidmodel generation and simulation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by generating the patient-specific computational model and calculating blood flow characteristics before an embolism event occurs. The system pre-processes imaging data to create the anatomical model and pre-calculates flow patterns, so that when embolus destination prediction is needed, the computational framework is already in place and ready for rapid particle tracking simulations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adaptability in the computational modeling approach. The system can adjust the level of model detail and simulation complexity based on the specific clinical question and available time resources. Different levels of fidelity can be used - from simplified models for quick assessments to more detailed models when time permits and higher precision is required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 prediction of embolus impact and identifies high-risk locations, allowing for more precise risk assessment and treatment recommendations, improving patient outcomes by targeting potential embolic sources and destinations.

Implementation Method 1

using a computing processor for calculating blood flow through the patient-specific anatomic model to determine blood flow characteristics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComputational fluid dynamics:

Implementation Method 2

using a computing processor for particle tracking through the simulated blood flow to determine a destination probability of an embolus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParticle tracking:

Data Source

PatentUS11862342B2Systems and methods for embolism prediction using embolus source and destination probabilities

Publication Date: 2024.01.02 HEARTFLOW INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for determining a patient risk assessment or treatment plan based on emboli dislodgement and destination. One method includes receiving a patient-specific anatomic model generated from patient-specific imaging of at least a portion of a patient's vasculature; determining or receiving a location of interest in the patient-specific anatomic model of the patient's vasculature; using a computing processor for calculating blood flow through the patient-specific anatomic model to determine blood flow characteristics through at least the portion of the patient's vasculature of the patient-specific anatomic model downstream from the location of interest; and using a computing processor for particle tracking through the simulated blood flow to determine a destination probability of an embolus originating from the location of interest in the patient-specific anatomic model, based on the determined blood flow characteristics.