Patient-Specific Vascular Graft Modeling With CFD-Guided Shape Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for designing vascular grafts, such as SURGEM and unconstrained clay modeling, lack the ability to create patient-specific, hemodynamically-optimized shapes and are limited by fixed anatomical sizes, leading to challenges in pre-surgical planning and design modifications.

Innovation Solution

A computer-based method for generating optimized vascular graft models using parameterization, surrogate modeling, constrained optimization, and computational fluid dynamics to identify globally optimal design parameters, incorporating virtual reality for shape adjustments and hemodynamic feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If SURGEM software is used for vascular graft design, then the setup process becomes interactive and easy, but the shape variability is limited to cylindrical conduits only

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of setupVSAvoidshape variability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic parameterization where the graft geometry is defined by a set of design parameters that can be adjusted to create various shapes including cylindrical, conical, and custom configurations. The parameterized model allows dynamic modification of graft shape, size, and complex geometry while maintaining ease of operation through automated generation from patient-specific anatomical data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If unconstrained clay modeling is used, then design freedom is increased, but detailed and precise design modifications become challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign freedomVSAvoiddesign modification precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a digital copy of the patient's anatomical structure through 3D imaging and parameterized modeling. This virtual model can be repeatedly modified, analyzed, and optimized without physical constraints, allowing precise design adjustments and iterations while maintaining the benefits of creative freedom in the design process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses parameter-based modeling where the graft geometry is controlled by a set of adjustable parameters. This allows precise control over graft dimensions, shape, and complex features while maintaining design freedom. The parameterized approach enables easy modification of design details and precise control over the final geometry for manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If fixed size 3D printed anatomies are used for clay modeling, then the anatomical structure is preserved, but design modifications according to CFD results become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical accuracyVSAvoiddesign modifiability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic parameterization to create a virtual model that can be continuously modified based on CFD simulation results. The parameterized geometry allows iterative optimization where design changes are easily implemented and re-evaluated, maintaining anatomical accuracy while enabling flexible design modifications throughout the optimization process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250371707A1Methods, systems and related aspects for optimization and planning of cardiac surgery
Publication Date: 2025.12.04 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
  • US20250371707A1 patent drawing
  • US20250371707A1 patent drawing
  • US20250371707A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided herein are methods of generating optimized models of vascular grafts for subjects in certain embodiments. Methods of treating subjects in need of vascular grafts are also provided. Related systems and computer program products are additionally provided.