3D Vessel Model Estimating Blood Flow From Pressure Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating flow or pressure in fluid dynamics, such as invasive catheter-based techniques and PET imaging, are unreliable, expensive, or not readily available, especially for assessing coronary artery stenosis.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines in-situ fluid pressure measurements with medical image data to generate a 3D geometrical model, allowing for the computation of flow and resistance values using computational fluid dynamics algorithms, which can be used to estimate blood flow and resistance without the need for additional flow measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive catheter-based velocity measurement techniques are used, then flow measurement capability is provided, but reliability deteriorates because flow can be measured only locally but flow varies strongly over a cross-sectional area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point-based velocity measurements to a distributed field-based approach by creating a 3D geometrical model of the vessel tree. Pressure measurements taken at different locations are spatially registered onto the 3D model, and CFD algorithms compute flow distribution throughout the entire vessel volume, moving from one-dimensional point measurements to three-dimensional field representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a 3D geometrical model as an intermediary between pressure measurements and flow computation. The model serves as a spatial framework that receives pressure measurement data, allows for CFD-based flow field computation, and provides a comprehensive view of flow distribution that cannot be obtained from discrete point measurements alone.
2Reliability
If PET imaging is used for flow quantification, then comprehensive flow assessment is achieved, but cost increases and availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the vessel tree through a 3D geometrical model derived from medical image data. This digital replica allows for computational flow analysis without requiring expensive PET imaging equipment. The model captures the essential geometric features needed for CFD simulation, providing a cost-effective alternative to direct PET-based flow quantification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive PET imaging hardware with a computational approach using CFD algorithms running on standard computing equipment. Instead of using radioactive tracers and specialized imaging detectors, the system uses numerical simulations based on pressure measurements and geometric models to achieve flow quantification.
3Measurement precision
If angiographic densitometry is used for flow estimation, then flow quantification is achieved, but device complexity increases due to system calibration requirements and scaling law approximations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to self-calibrate by using the 3D geometrical model and CFD simulations to automatically determine flow distribution from pressure measurements. The CFD algorithms inherently account for vessel geometry and flow physics, eliminating the need for external calibration standards or manual scaling law applications that complicate angiographic densitometry methods.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and related methods to estimate, for a liquid dynamic system, flow or resistance based on a model of an object and pressure measurements collected in-situ at said object. Alternatively, pressure flow measurements are collected and pressure or resistance is being estimated.