Computational Modeling of Cardiovascular-Induced Chest Vibrations: A Review and Practical Guide for...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Mechanics
• Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

• Seismocardiography (SCG) non-invasively assesses cardiac function via chest vibrations.
• Finite element modeling (FEM) offers a powerful tool for simulating SCG signal propagation.
• Existing FEM approaches for SCG lack comprehensive comparative analysis and standardized frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comparative analysis of current FEM approaches for SCG.
• To introduce a framework for developing accurate FEM models of SCG.
• To enhance the understanding and reliability of SCG in cardiovascular health assessment.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of literature-based FEM methodologies for SCG.
• Development of a sample FEM framework including governing equations, meshing, boundary conditions, and material properties.
• Simulation of cardiac mechanics and their transmission to the chest surface.

Main Results:

• Identification of strengths and challenges in various FEM modeling choices for SCG.
• A structured framework presented for building robust FEM models of SCG.
• Insights into capturing complex cardiac mechanics and SCG signal transmission.

Conclusions:

• FEM is crucial for advancing SCG analysis and understanding cardiac mechanics.
• The proposed framework can guide researchers in developing accurate SCG FEM models.
• This work establishes a reference for improving SCG waveform interpretation and clinical application.