Individualized Stent Simulation via Centerline Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for simulating the placement of stents in blood vessels are time-consuming and unsuitable for patient-specific simulations before stent introduction, requiring elaborate models and extensive computer time.
Innovation Solution
A method and simulation device for structurally individualized simulation of wall support element placement in tubular structures, using three-dimensional image data to adapt an elastic structure model to the vessel, allowing for rapid and accurate prediction of stent placement by simulating the behavior of the vessel wall and stent interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If elaborate reconstructed models of stent and arteries are used with finite element method, then simulation accuracy is improved, but computer time required increases to more than one day
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation model is segmented into distinct components: a centerline representing the vessel path and cross-sectional lumens at discrete points along the centerline. This segmentation allows the complex 3D vessel-stent interaction to be decomposed into simpler 2D cross-sectional analyses, dramatically reducing computational requirements while preserving essential geometric and mechanical characteristics for accurate simulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using elaborate reconstructed models of the entire artery and stent geometry, the invention creates a simplified copy that captures the essential features: the centerline path and cross-sectional lumens. This simplified model copy retains sufficient detail for accurate stent-vessel interaction simulation while requiring minimal computer time for processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If nonlinear mathematical models are developed for different arteries, then structural individualization is improved, but model development time increases to more than one day
Solution Approach 1:
The centerline and cross-sectional lumen data are extracted and stored in advance from medical imaging. This preliminary action creates a ready-to-use simplified model structure that can be rapidly adapted to individual patient anatomy without requiring time-consuming model development during the simulation phase, enabling same-day or pre-procedural planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates individualized copies of the patient's specific vessel geometry by extracting the centerline and cross-sectional lumens from their unique imaging data. Each patient receives a customized simplified model that captures their specific anatomical variations, achieving structural individualization through efficient data copying and adaptation rather than complex model development.
3Productivity
If rigid vessel model is used in simulation, then simulation speed is improved, but ability to simulate coiled vessel behavior deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel model transitions from rigid to dynamically deformable by allowing the cross-sectional lumens to change shape and size in response to stent expansion forces. The simplified model structure with centerline and cross-sections enables efficient calculation of vessel wall deformation, capturing the dynamic behavior of coiled and compliant vessels at high simulation speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel wall is represented as a flexible thin-walled structure defined by the cross-sectional lumens along the centerline. This flexible shell representation allows the model to naturally deform and bend in response to internal pressures and external forces during stent expansion, accurately simulating the behavior of compliant, coiled blood vessels without requiring complex rigid body mechanics.
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
Enables rapid and accurate simulation of stent placement in arteries, facilitating the selection of suitable stents for individual cases, reducing computational burden and improving prediction accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
taking into account the elasticity of the individual structure model
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for structurally individualized simulation of the introduction of a wall support element into a section of a tubular structure. To this end, image data of the interior of the section of the tubular structure are provided. A start point and an end point of the section of the tubular structure are then determined, and a lumen and a profile line of the tubular structure are determined between the start point and the end point. Furthermore, an individual elastic structure model for the section of the tubular structure is identified by adapting a tubular elastic initial model to the section of the tubular structure on the basis of the identified lumen and the profile line, and a tubular elastic wall support element model which is positioned inside the individual structure model is provided. In at least one embodiment, the wall support element model is then virtually expanded stepwise, a check for collisions between the wall support element model and the individual structure model being carried out in each expansion step. At the positions where a collision is identified, the wall support element model and the individual structure model are modified at least locally while taking into account the elasticity of the individual structure model. A method for driving an image display device, by using such a simulation method, and a simulation device are furthermore described.