A fully coupled multi-scale mathematical model of the human heart was developed and validated using MRI data from a healthy volunteer to enable patient-specific digital twin modeling.
A fully coupled multi-scale mathematical model of the human heart enables the creation of digital twins to simulate electrophysiology, mechanics, and the effects of interventions like atrial ablation.
Mathematical models of the human heart are evolving to become a cornerstone of precision medicine and support clinical decision making by providing a powerful tool to understand the mechanisms underlying pathophysiological conditions. In this study, we present a detailed mathematical description of a fully coupled multi-scale model of the human heart, including electrophysiology, mechanics, and a closed-loop model of circulation. State-of-the-art models based on human physiology are used to describe membrane kinetics, excitation-contraction coupling and active tension generation in the atria and the ventricles. Furthermore, we highlight ways to adapt this framework to patient specific measurements to build digital twins. The validity of the model is demonstrated through simulations on a personalized whole heart geometry based on magnetic resonance imaging data of a healthy volunteer. Additionally, the fully coupled model was employed to evaluate the effects of a typical atrial ablation scar on the cardiovascular system. With this work, we provide an adaptable multi-scale model that allows a comprehensive personalization from ion channels to the organ level enabling digital twin modeling.
Gerach et al. (Sat,) conducted a other in Healthy (n=1). Electro-Mechanical Whole-Heart Digital Twin model was evaluated. A fully coupled multi-scale mathematical model of the human heart was developed and validated using MRI data from a healthy volunteer to enable patient-specific digital twin modeling.