pyNS: an open-source framework for 0D haemodynamic modelling.

Area of Science:

• Computational fluid dynamics
• Biomedical engineering
• Vascular modeling

Background:

• Simulating haemodynamics and vascular wall dynamics in complex networks is crucial.
• Existing computational methods, like 0D pulse wave propagation, offer efficiency but open-source tools are scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel, open-source computational tool for simulating 0D haemodynamics and vascular dynamics.
• To demonstrate the tool's application in patient-specific vascular network modeling.
• To facilitate the prediction of vascular access maturation in hemodialysis patients.

Main Methods:

• Development of a modular solver framework named python Network Solver.
• Implementation within the arch Toolkit, released under a BSD license.
• Application to patient-specific models of the systemic circulation and upper extremity vasculature.

Main Results:

• The python Network Solver provides an efficient and accessible platform for 0D vascular network simulations.
• Patient-specific models were successfully created for the systemic circulation and upper extremity.
• The framework is suitable for predicting outcomes such as vascular access maturation.

Conclusions:

• The python Network Solver addresses the need for open-source tools in simulating complex vascular dynamics.
• This framework enhances the capability for patient-specific hemodynamic modeling.
• It offers a valuable resource for research in vascular access and hemodialysis.