High-Fidelity MicroCT Reconstructions of Cardiac Devices Enable Patient-Specific Simulation for Structural Heart...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Medical Device Engineering
• Computational Anatomy

Background:

• Precise preprocedural planning is critical for structural heart interventions.
• Conventional imaging lacks direct visualization, limiting procedural predictability.
• A novel approach is needed to integrate device data with patient anatomy for accurate simulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a micro-computed tomography (microCT)-based reverse modeling workflow.
• To enable accurate, patient-specific virtual simulation for structural heart interventions.
• To integrate digital reconstructions of cardiac devices into patient imaging datasets.

Main Methods:

• MicroCT scanning (36.9 μm resolution) of various cardiac devices.
• 3D reconstruction of device geometries into stereolithography files.
• Virtual implantation of devices within patient CT datasets for simulation.

Main Results:

• Successful reverse modeling of devices with high geometric fidelity.
• Negligible dimensional deviations from manufacturer specifications.
• Excellent concordance between simulated and postprocedural imaging (ICC 0.90-0.96).
• Accurate prediction of critical parameters like valve-to-coronary distances.
• Identification of a high-risk case for coronary obstruction, confirmed and managed.

Conclusions:

• The microCT reverse modeling workflow provides rapid, reproducible patient-specific simulation.
• Enhances preprocedural planning accuracy, risk stratification, and procedural safety.
• Facilitates broad adoption and iterative simulation due to its digital nature.