FMD Diagnostic Tool Using Physics-Based Arterial Wall Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of understanding of the fundamental biophysics governing the Flow-Mediated Dilation (FMD) process hinders its effectiveness as a diagnostic tool for cardiovascular diseases, making it difficult to interpret and utilize FMD test results accurately.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic system that includes a physics-based model driven by a feedback loop describing the mechanisms underlying the FMD response, utilizing dimensionless parameters to quantify the physical state of the arterial wall, and a computational framework to analyze FMD test data, providing a diagnostic tool that can determine patient-specific health indicators and thresholds for cardiovascular health assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If FMD test is performed to assess cardiovascular health, then diagnostic information is obtained, but the lack of understanding of fundamental biophysics makes it difficult to interpret results accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the FMD diagnostic approach by changing from simple diameter measurement to a physics-based model that incorporates multiple parameters including wall shear stress, arterial compliance, and mechanotransduction coefficients. This parameter transformation enables accurate interpretation of FMD results by linking observable macroscopic changes to underlying microscopic biophysical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a physics-based computational model as an intermediary between the FMD test procedure and clinical interpretation. This model acts as a mediator that translates raw ultrasound measurements into meaningful diagnostic indicators by applying principles of fluid mechanics and arterial wall mechanics, thereby resolving the interpretation gap.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional FMD measurement methods are used, then the test is noninvasive and inexpensive, but the predictive power and diagnostic effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the utility of the existing FMD test infrastructure by implementing a multi-functional diagnostic system. The same ultrasound equipment used for simple diameter measurement can now perform comprehensive biophysical analysis including wall shear stress calculation, arterial compliance assessment, and mechanotransduction evaluation, thereby improving predictive power without sacrificing accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms limited diameter measurement data into comprehensive biophysical characterization by applying physics-based models that extract multiple diagnostic parameters from the same FMD test data, thereby enhancing predictive power while maintaining the noninvasive and cost-effective nature of the original test.
3Reliability
If physics-based modeling is implemented to improve FMD interpretation, then diagnostic accuracy is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the physics-based model continuously refines its predictions by comparing modeled FMD responses with actual measured data. This feedback loop enables the system to self-calibrate and improve accuracy without requiring manual intervention or complex configuration, thereby managing system complexity while enhancing diagnostic reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The physics-based computational model operates autonomously, automatically calculating wall shear stress, arterial compliance, and mechanotransduction parameters from raw FMD data without requiring manual analysis or complex external processing. This self-service capability enhances diagnostic accuracy while minimizing the operational complexity burden on users.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a diagnostic tool, and, more particularly, to a diagnostic tool for analyzing and using the results of a flow mediated dilation test.