A Centerline-Based Model Morphing Algorithm for Patient-Specific Finite Element Modeling of the Left Ventricle

Area of Science:

• Computational Biomechanics
• Medical Imaging
• Finite Element Analysis

Background:

• Generating patient-specific hexahedral finite element (FE) models of the left ventricle (LV) is challenging, especially with low-resolution imaging.
• Accurate modeling is crucial for understanding cardiac function and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a fast and efficient algorithm for automatic hexahedral model generation of the LV from low-resolution ultrasound (US) data.
• To enable patient-specific FE model creation for biomechanical analysis.

Main Methods:

• A template FE hexahedral model was morphed onto patient-specific LV endocardial and epicardial surfaces reconstructed from US data.
• Internal node positions were determined by minimizing elastic energy.
• The approach was applied to eight patients with congestive heart disease.

Main Results:

• The model morphing algorithm successfully generated meshes with minimal mismatches to US geometries.
• Diastolic FE analyses were performed in seven patients, yielding principal stress distributions.
• The algorithm demonstrated robustness and low computational cost.

Conclusions:

• The developed algorithm provides a fast, robust, and low-cost method for patient-specific LV hexahedral FE model generation.
• This technique is highly beneficial for future patient-specific reduced-order modeling and may apply to other organs.