Three-dimensional surface geometry correction is required for calculating flow by the proximal isovelocity surface...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular physiology
• Fluid dynamics in medicine
• Medical device engineering

Background:

• Accurate regurgitant flow rate calculation is crucial for diagnosing and managing valvular heart disease.
• Current methods may not fully account for complex surface geometries influencing flow convergence.
• Proximal convergence is a key factor in echocardiographic flow rate estimation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of surface geometry on proximal convergence calculations.
• To develop and validate angle correction equations for improved regurgitant flow rate estimation.
• To assess the impact of geometric variations on flow rate overestimation and underestimation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized in vitro models with varying surface geometries (2D angled flat vs. 3D conical).
• Simulated flow convergence within these models to test derived angle correction equations.
• Compared flow rate calculations using uncorrected and corrected equations.

Main Results:

• Uncorrected equations overestimated flow for convergence < 180 degrees and underestimated for convergence > 180 degrees.
• The degree of deviation varied based on the dimensionality of the surface geometry.
• The derived angle correction equation demonstrated good agreement across all tested geometries.

Conclusions:

• Surface geometry is a critical determinant in proximal convergence calculations.
• Incorporating angle correction based on geometry enhances the accuracy of regurgitant flow rate measurements.
• The validated equations offer improved precision for echocardiographic assessments of valvular regurgitation.