Key result
Simulated pediatric VSD models show large 6-mm defects drive Qp/Qs ratios up to ~2.3.
Why the study?
Relatively few studies had built computer models for ventricular septal defect or considered how age-related cardiovascular adaptation interacts with a small-, medium-, or large-sized VSD.
This computational modelling study establishes a framework combining orifice-flow dynamics and age-dependent vascular maturation to simulate paediatric haemodynamics in isolated ventricular septal defect, laying groundwork for patient-specific digital twins.
Supports digital twin development for paediatric VSD; leaves open prospective validation before clinical application.
Computer modelling of the cardiovascular system has the potential to revolutionize personalized medical care. This is especially promising for congenital heart defects, such as ventricular septal defect (VSD), a hole between the two ventricles of the heart. However, relatively few studies have built computer models for VSD, nor have they considered how natural adaptation to the cardiovascular system with age might interact with the presence of a small-, medium- or large-sized VSD. Here, we combine a lumped-parameter model of the cardiovascular system with two key modelling components: a size-dependent resistance dictating shunt flow between the two ventricles and age-dependent scaling relationships for the systemic and pulmonary circulations. Our results provide insight into changes in haemodynamic conditions with various VSD sizes. We investigate the combined effects of VSD size, vascular parameters and age, showing distinct differences with these three factors. This study lays the necessary foundation for studying VSD and towards building digital shadows and digital twins for managing VSD in paediatrics.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Colebank et al. (2026) studied Isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD). Isolated ventricular septal defect (small 1 mm, medium 3 mm, and large 6 mm diameters) vs. Normal physiological paediatric circulation (no VSD) was evaluated on Simulated pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), and ventricular pressure-volume dynamics. Lumped-parameter simulations of paediatric ventricular septal defects showed Qp/Qs ratios of ~1.0 for small (1 mm), 1.2–1.5 for medium (3 mm), and 1.8–2.3 for large (6 mm) defects over 2 years.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: