Finite element simulation of guidewire navigation in venous transcatheter procedures

This paper introduces a Finite Element Method (FEM) to model the navigation of a surgical guidewire using a Transcatheter (TC) approach in the venous tree. The core objective is to characterize guidewire/vessel walls interactions, to predict reaction forces of the guidewire at the level of operator's grip zones and to correlate them with the model's kinematics.

The analysis are performed following a dynamic implicit FEM simulation using Abaqus® (SIMULIA™). The venous geometry, from the femoral vein to the right atrium entry, is reconstructed from segmented preoperative CT-Scan data. A commercial super-stiff guidewire is modeled using beam elements with realistic incremental stiffness. To simulate real-life surgical insertion, a velocity-driven boundary condition is applied onto the distal end of the guidewire. Biomimetic material and interaction properties, along with external environmental influences and loads, enable high-fidelity computation.

Deformations remain minimal for venous walls tree while displacement of the guidewire are large. The maximum predicted reaction forces range from 0.5 to 1.4 N, depending on the geometric and kinematic insertion conditions of the guidewire. This magnitude is consistent with values reported in the literature for Minimally Invasive Surgeries. Results validate the applicability of the dynamic implicit FEM in predicting guidewire trajectory, interaction forces and reaction forces relevant to haptic feedback generation.

This work lays the foundation for an image-based, mimetic FEM adapted for guidewire navigation's simulation. The proposed model offers an enhanced understanding of the mechanical behaviour underlying endovascular navigation.