Non-invasive FFR Calculation via CFD Coronary Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical practices for diagnosing coronary artery stenosis lack a non-invasive method for functional assessment, relying on anatomical evaluations that do not account for the impact of lesions on blood flow, and existing invasive methods carry risks and limitations.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive method using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and medical image data to calculate fractional flow reserve (FFR) and other hemodynamic measurements, allowing for real-time functional assessment of coronary artery stenosis severity without the need for invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure wire based FFR measurements are used to obtain accurate functional assessment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and patient risk increase due to invasive intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the coronary artery system using medical imaging data (CT, MR, or angiography) to generate a 3D anatomical model. This digital twin allows FFR calculation without physical wire insertion, eliminating invasive risks while maintaining measurement accuracy through computational fluid dynamics simulations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure wire measurement system with a computational fluid dynamics-based simulation system. Instead of physically inserting a wire to measure pressure gradients, the system uses patient-specific anatomical models and hemodynamic simulations to calculate FFR non-invasively
2Measurement precision
If pressure wire is inserted into narrow stenosis to measure FFR, then functional assessment is obtained, but additional pressure drop is induced causing measurement error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a virtual model of the coronary artery to measure pressure and flow without physical intervention. The digital replica allows assessment of the stenosis effect on blood flow without introducing any foreign object that could alter the hemodynamics or create additional pressure drops
3Productivity
If QCA is used to evaluate stenosis, then anatomical assessment is obtained quickly, but functional significance of stenosis is not determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges anatomical imaging data with hemodynamic simulation capabilities into a single integrated workflow. The system takes standard medical images used for anatomical assessment and automatically generates FFR values, combining structural and functional evaluation in one process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary generation of patient-specific anatomical models and boundary conditions from routine medical imaging data before the clinical decision-making process. This allows FFR calculation to be ready in advance, providing both anatomical and functional information when needed without delaying treatment decisions
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for non-invasive assessment of coronary artery stenosis is disclosed. Patient-specific anatomical measurements of the coronary arteries are extracted from medical image data of a patient acquired during rest state. Patient-specific rest state boundary conditions of a model of coronary circulation representing the coronary arteries are calculated based on the patient-specific anatomical measurements and non-invasive clinical measurements of the patient at rest. Patient-specific rest state boundary conditions of the model of coronary circulation representing the coronary arteries are calculated based on the patient-specific anatomical measurements and non-invasive clinical measurements of the patient at rest. Hyperemic blood flow and pressure across at least one stenosis region of the coronary arteries are simulated using the model of coronary circulation and the patient-specific hyperemic boundary conditions. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is calculated for the at least one stenosis region based on the simulated hyperemic blood flow and pressure.