3D Heart Flow Simulation for Noninvasive FFR Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assessing coronary artery lesions, such as coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) and diagnostic cardiac catheterization, fail to provide accurate functional significance of lesions, leading to unnecessary invasive procedures and healthcare costs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using patient-specific data to create a three-dimensional model of the heart, incorporating physics-based models to determine fractional flow reserve (FFR) and simulate blood flow characteristics, enabling noninvasive assessment of coronary artery function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If noninvasive tests such as CCTA are used to assess coronary lesions, then patient safety and comfort are improved by avoiding invasive procedures, but the functional significance of lesions cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computational model as an intermediary between noninvasive imaging data and functional assessment. The system uses CCTA images to create a 3D anatomical model, then applies fluid dynamics simulations to predict blood flow and pressure gradients, effectively mediating between structural imaging and functional evaluation without requiring invasive wire insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive measurement system (pressure wires inserted during catheterization) with a computational fluid dynamics model that simulates blood flow mechanics. The system solves Navier-Stokes equations numerically to predict pressure drops across lesions, substituting physical wire-based pressure measurement with virtual flow simulation based on anatomical geometry
2Measurement precision
If invasive diagnostic cardiac catheterization with pressure wire measurement is performed, then accurate FFR measurement is achieved, but patient exposure to invasive procedure risks and increased healthcare costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the coronary vasculature from noninvasive CCTA images, constructing a 3D computational model that replicates the anatomical geometry including lesions. This digital twin allows repeated simulation and analysis without additional invasive procedures, providing accurate FFR prediction through virtual rather than physical measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs computational FFR assessment before making treatment decisions, allowing clinicians to evaluate lesion significance in advance without proceeding to invasive catheterization. The system pre-calculates pressure gradients and flow characteristics based on anatomical imaging, enabling treatment planning based on predicted rather than invasive measured values
3Ease of operation
If CCTA is used for diagnostic imaging, then anatomical data is obtained noninvasively, but functional information such as blood flow rates and pressure gradients cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms 2D CCTA image data into a 3D computational model, adding spatial dimensionality and enabling volumetric analysis. The system reconstructs the coronary tree in three dimensions from cross-sectional images, then performs 4D flow simulation (3D space plus time) to extract functional parameters like flow rates and pressure gradients that cannot be obtained from static anatomical images alone
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.