Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Measuring Ascending Aortic Stiffness In Vivo in Mice Using Ultrasound
10:08

Measuring Ascending Aortic Stiffness In Vivo in Mice Using Ultrasound

Published on: December 2, 2014

Non-invasive hemodynamic assessment of aortic coarctation: validation with in vivo measurements

Lucian Itu1, Puneet Sharma, Kristóf Ralovich

  • 1Siemens Corporate Research and Technology, 755 College Road East, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA. lucian.itu@unitbv.ro

Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|December 13, 2012
PubMed

Insights

We developed a fast, automatic CFD method to assess blood flow in coarctation of the aorta (CoA) patients non-invasively. This approach accurately predicts pressure gradients, aiding pre- and post-operative care.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Medical Imaging Analysis
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics

Background:

  • Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) requires careful hemodynamic assessment, especially pre- and post-operatively.
  • Current non-invasive methods may lack precision in determining pressure gradients across the coarctation.
  • Accurate hemodynamic assessment is crucial for effective patient management and surgical planning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce a novel, non-invasive computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based approach for hemodynamic assessment in coarctation of the aorta (CoA) patients.
  • To determine the pressure gradient across the coarctation using patient-specific computational modeling.
  • To validate the feasibility and accuracy of this CFD approach in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a reduced-order model for blood flow computation in patient-specific aortic geometries.
  • Implemented a parameter estimation procedure using non-invasive measurements for boundary and vessel wall conditions.
  • Integrated a comprehensive pressure-drop formulation with the reduced-order model for automatic calculation.
  • Validated the method against invasively measured peak pressure gradients in four CoA patient datasets.

Main Results:

  • The CFD-based algorithm is fully automatic, requiring no iterative tuning.
  • Computation time is approximately 6-8 minutes on a standard personal computer, ensuring clinical feasibility.
  • Preliminary validation showed a mean absolute error of less than 2 mmHg when compared to invasive measurements.
  • The approach demonstrated promising accuracy for pressure-drop computations in patients with native or recurrent coarctation.

Conclusions:

  • The proposed CFD-based approach offers a feasible and accurate non-invasive method for hemodynamic assessment in CoA patients.
  • This technique can reliably determine pressure gradients, supporting clinical decisions in pre- and post-operative management.
  • The automatic nature and short computation time make it suitable for routine clinical use.

More Related Videos

In vitro Assessment of Aortic Regurgitation Using Four-Dimensional Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging11:16

In vitro Assessment of Aortic Regurgitation Using Four-Dimensional Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Published on: February 25, 2022

A Minimally Invasive Model of Aortic Stenosis in Swine06:51

A Minimally Invasive Model of Aortic Stenosis in Swine

Published on: October 20, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)01:23

Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)

Measuring blood pressure is a fundamental skill in healthcare that aids in diagnosing and monitoring hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. An aneroid sphygmomanometer, commonly used in clinical settings, offers a manual and precise method for blood pressure measurement. The technique for using this instrument involves specific steps that must be carefully executed to ensure accuracy. The following detailed description outlines a two-step technique for assessing blood pressure using...
Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound01:19

Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound

To obtain accurate blood pressure measurements in clinical settings, especially when traditional methods are insufficient, healthcare professionals utilize the Doppler ultrasound technique. This method uses high-frequency sound waves to detect blood flow within the arteries, which is crucial for patients with conditions that complicate circulatory system assessment.
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)01:15

Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)

This procedural guide systematically measures blood pressure using an oscillometric digital sphygmomanometer, emphasizing accuracy, patient safety, and comfort.
Prepare for the Procedure: