Vessel Bifurcation Flow Modeling for Simulated Hemodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assessing hemodynamic indices in coronary vasculature fail to accurately account for the outflow of blood into minor vessel branches, leading to inaccuracies in fluid dynamics simulations due to unclear identification of these branches in diagnostic images, particularly in 2D imaging.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize diagnostic images to generate a physiological model, predict vessel branches based on geometric parameter variations, and adapt fluid dynamics models to include outflows from these branches using lumped parameter models and Murray's law to estimate outlet resistances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If diagnostic images are used to generate physiological models, then non-invasive hemodynamic assessment is achieved, but accuracy deteriorates due to inability to identify minor vessel branches
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of geometric parameter variations along the vessel path before final hemodynamic calculation. By analyzing local changes in vessel diameter or cross-sectional area at candidate positions, the system proactively identifies potential branch locations and incorporates them into the physiological model, ensuring accurate flow distribution is accounted for in the non-invasive assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from 2D diagnostic images to 3D physiological modeling by detecting geometric parameter variations along the vessel's longitudinal axis. This dimensional transformation allows the system to identify branch locations that are not visible in 2D projections, recovering outflow information that would otherwise be lost in planar imaging
2Device complexity
If 2D diagnostic images are used, then imaging simplicity is maintained, but vessel branch identification accuracy deteriorates due to vessel overlap and unsuitable angulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for 2D image limitations by introducing a longitudinal dimension analysis. By examining geometric parameter variations along the vessel path in 3D space, the system can distinguish between apparent narrowing due to overlap and actual branch origins, effectively adding depth information without requiring complex multi-angle imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local analysis at candidate positions along the vessel by detecting local changes in geometric parameters. Instead of requiring global 3D visualization, the system focuses computational effort on specific locations where branch outflow is likely, analyzing local geometric variations to identify branches even in 2D projections with vessel overlap
3Device complexity
If minor vessel branches are neglected in modeling, then model simplicity is maintained, but fluid dynamics simulation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively incorporating only those branch outflows that are detected through geometric parameter analysis. Rather than modeling all possible branches or requiring complete 3D visualization, the system identifies and includes branches at positions with significant local geometric changes, achieving sufficient accuracy for clinical decision-making without excessive model complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the vessel into sections with and without detected branches. By dividing the physiological model at identified branch locations and applying appropriate boundary conditions at these segments, the system accurately captures flow distribution effects without requiring detailed modeling of every minor branch, maintaining computational efficiency while improving accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for assessing a patient's vasculature and a corresponding method are provided, in which the bifurcations in a vessel of interest are identified on the basis of a local change in at least one geometric parameter value of the vessel of interest and the fluid dynamics inside the vessel of interest are adjusted to take account for said bifurcations.