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Reliable CFD-based estimation of flow rate in haemodynamics measures
Raffaele Ponzini1, Christian Vergara, Alberto Redaelli
1Department of Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Segrate (MI), Italy. ponzini@cilea.it
Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
|October 19, 2006
Summary
This study introduces a novel method to accurately estimate blood flow rate using maximum velocity and the Womersley number, improving upon current Doppler velocimetry limitations for better clinical measurements.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Clinical practice often relies on blood flow rate, closely linked to mean velocity.
- Direct measurement of mean velocity is not feasible with current Doppler velocimetry.
- Existing methods estimate mean velocity from maximum velocity using parabolic profile assumptions, leading to inaccuracies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a more accurate method for estimating blood flow rate.
- To establish a relationship between flow rate, maximum velocity, and the Womersley number.
- To overcome the limitations of current Doppler velocimetry techniques in clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- Developed a parametrised representation for flow rate estimation.
- Utilized a least-square approach on approximately 200 Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation results.
- Conducted CFD simulations by prescribing flow rate to avoid bias in boundary conditions.
Main Results:
- Proposed a new relation for estimating flow rate as a function of maximum velocity and Womersley number.
- Validation tests using numerical simulations confirmed improved flow rate estimation accuracy.
- The novel method demonstrated superior performance compared to traditional approaches.
Conclusions:
- The proposed relation offers a significant improvement in blood flow rate estimation.
- This method enhances the utility of Doppler velocimetry in clinical practice.
- Accurate flow rate assessment is crucial for effective patient management and treatment.
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