Arterial Pulse Wave Velocity Estimation Using Hemodynamic Modeling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating arterial pulse wave velocity are affected by wave reflection and fiduciary point selection, making them unreliable for determining arterial stiffness indicative of medical conditions like atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that use image data from an imaging modality to determine blood vessel cross-sectional areas and flow rates, constructing a hemodynamic model to accurately calculate arterial pulse wave velocity, which represents the health condition of the blood vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the foot-to-foot method is used to estimate arterial pulse wave velocity, then the estimation can be obtained from blood flow data, but the estimation is affected by wave reflection and fiduciary point selection making it unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hemodynamic model as an intermediary between the measured blood flow data and the arterial pulse wave velocity estimation. This model acts as a mediator that transforms the raw flow data into more reliable velocity estimates by accounting for wave reflection effects and eliminating fiduciary point selection requirements. The model-based approach serves as a bridge that converts unreliable direct measurements into reliable inferred values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical measurement approach (foot-to-foot method tracking fiduciary points in blood flow waveforms) with a computational model-based approach. Instead of mechanically tracking wave propagation through fiduciary points, the system uses a hemodynamic model that computationally estimates pulse wave velocity from blood flow data, thereby eliminating the limitations of the mechanical measurement method.
2Measurement precision
If image data processing and hemodynamic modeling are used to accurately determine arterial pulse wave velocity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional system where the imaging modality serves multiple purposes: acquiring anatomical images of the blood vessel, measuring blood flow data, and providing spatial information for cross-sectional area determination. This universal approach consolidates multiple measurement functions into a single imaging system, reducing the need for separate specialized devices and thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The hemodynamic model is designed to be self-sufficient by using only the blood flow data and cross-sectional area measurements already obtained from the imaging modality. The model independently calculates arterial pulse wave velocity without requiring additional external measurements or complex auxiliary systems. This self-service capability allows the system to achieve high measurement precision using existing data, avoiding the need for additional complex measurement equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining an arterial pulse wave velocity representative of a health condition of a blood vessel includes receiving an image data set comprising a plurality of images of a subject, from an imaging modality. The method also involves determining a blood vessel region in an image from the plurality of images. The method further includes determining a plurality of cross-sectional area values of a blood vessel at a plurality of locations in the blood vessel region, corresponding to a plurality of phases of a cardiac cycle of the subject and determining a plurality of flow rate values of blood flowing in the blood vessel corresponding to the plurality of cross-sectional area values. The method also includes determining a hemodynamic model based on the plurality of cross-sectional area values and the plurality of blood flow rate values and determining the arterial pulse wave velocity based on the hemodynamic model.