Towards personalised management of atherosclerosis via computational models in vascular clinics: technology based on...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Biology
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a leading global cause of death, presenting diverse clinical forms and imposing significant burdens on healthcare systems.
• Its multifactorial, chronic, and lifelong nature creates substantial financial and clinical pressures.
• Current healthcare approaches face challenges due to the complexity and systemic nature of the disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel technology for personalized healthcare in atherosclerosis using patient-specific modeling.
• To explore the potential of computer simulations as in-silico management and support systems for chronic diseases.
• To demonstrate a simulation workflow and an exemplar clinical application for atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Development of predictive models integrating diverse data (observations, theories, risk factors, anatomical sub-systems).
• Combination of predictive models with digital patient data and advanced visualization tools.
• Creation of a simulation workflow tailored to clinical requirements, exemplified by a vascular service unit.

Main Results:

• A simulation workflow for patient-specific modeling in atherosclerosis has been established.
• An exemplar application demonstrating the clinical utility of the developed technology is presented.
• The technology is under development by a multidisciplinary team in collaboration with a clinical vascular unit.

Conclusions:

• Patient-specific modeling and computer simulations hold significant promise for the future of personalized healthcare in managing complex diseases like atherosclerosis.
• The developed in-silico approach can potentially alleviate clinical and financial pressures on healthcare systems.
• Further development and clinical integration of this technology are ongoing to enhance patient care and management strategies.