Merging mixed reality and computational modeling for enhanced visualization of cardiac biomechanics

Mixed reality (MR) has the potential to complement numerical simulations for enhanced post-processing and integrate digital models into the daily clinical practice of healthcare professionals. In complex cardiac anatomies, the decision-making process for bioprosthesis implantation involves the challenging analysis of heart valve distribution, positioning, and sealing. This study proposes a framework to visualize computational modeling results in an immersive environment for comprehensive analysis of the geometric implications of implanted devices on human heart function. After computational analysis, the biomechanical behavior of the Living Heart Human Model (LHHM) was used to develop MR content for the immersive visualization of the heart kinematics and the electrical field. Additionally, MR content was developed to assess the spatial implications of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction as observed in transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR). Findings demonstrated that augmented exploration of cardiac biomechanics can be used for a better understanding of the electrical field of the beating heart. In the case of TMVR simulation, MR-related analysis of LVOT obstruction can result in improved visualization and manipulation of 3D anatomies and assessment of device-induced anatomic constraints. We conclude that the synergy between in-silico modeling and MR can potentially enhance physicians' ability to visualize the implications of biomedical device implants in complex cardiac anatomies, benefiting both physicians and simulation experts.