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Computational tools for clinical support: a multi-scale compliant model for haemodynamic simulations in an aortic
Mirko Bonfanti1, Stavroula Balabani2, John P Greenwood3,4
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, UK mirko.bonfanti.15@ucl.ac.uk.
Journal of the Royal Society, Interface
|November 10, 2017
Summary
A new computational fluid dynamics model for aortic dissection (AD) accurately predicts pressure in the false lumen. This approach accounts for wall movement and wave propagation, offering a computationally efficient tool for clinical support in managing AD.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Aortic dissection (AD) presents significant morbidity and mortality risks.
- Current computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models for AD face limitations due to oversimplified assumptions and high computational costs, hindering clinical application.
- Accurate simulation of AD progression requires patient-specific models that incorporate complex biomechanical factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a patient-specific, multi-scale CFD approach for simulating aortic dissection.
- To improve the accuracy and clinical relevance of CFD models by incorporating wall compliance and Windkessel boundary conditions.
- To assess the model's ability to predict critical hemodynamic parameters within the false lumen.
Main Methods:
- A patient-specific CFD multi-scale model was developed, incorporating Windkessel boundary conditions and wall compliance.
- A novel moving boundary algorithm was implemented to accurately capture arterial wall displacement.
- The model was tuned and validated against a comprehensive in vivo clinical dataset.
Main Results:
- The developed CFD approach successfully captured patient-specific flow and pressure waves in aortic dissection.
- The model accurately predicted pressure within the false lumen (FL), a key variable for clinical management.
- Identified regions of low and oscillatory wall shear stress and higher diastolic FL pressures, potentially indicating expansion risk.
Conclusions:
- This study presents a computationally efficient CFD method that accounts for arterial deformation and wave propagation in 3D AD models.
- The approach demonstrates potential as a valuable tool for AD management and clinical decision support.
- The findings represent a step forward in translating advanced simulation techniques for aortic dissection into clinical practice.
