Patient-specific computational fluid dynamics simulations based on 4D transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated an error of <11% compared to in-vivo flow measurements.
Observational (n=100)
Single-blind
No
Does patient-specific CFD modelling using 4-D TTE provide robust and accurate simulations of left ventricular flow compared to Doppler and MRI?
A novel patient-specific CFD modeling pathway using 4-D TTE provides robust and accurate simulations of left ventricular flow, facilitating its potential use in routine cardiac care and future clinical studies.
The combination of medical imaging with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has enabled the study of 3-D blood flow on a patient-specific level. However, with models based on gated high-resolution data, the study of transient flows, and any model implementation into routine cardiac care, is challenging. This paper presents a novel pathway for patient-specific CFD modelling of the left ventricle (LV), using 4-D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) as input modality. To evaluate the clinical usability, two sub-studies were performed. First, a robustness evaluation was performed, where repeated models with alternating input variables were generated for six subjects and changes in simulated output quantified. Second, a validation study was carried out, where the pathway accuracy was evaluated against pulsed-wave Doppler (100 subjects), and 2-D through-plane phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging measurements over seven intraventricular planes (6 subjects). The robustness evaluation indicated a model deviation of <12%, with highest regional and temporal deviations at apical segments and at peak systole, respectively. The validation study showed an error of <11% (velocities <10 cm/s) for all subjects, with no significant regional or temporal differences observed. With the patient-specific pathway shown to provide robust output with high accuracy, and with the pathway dependent only on 4-D TTE, the method has a high potential to be used within future clinical studies on 3-D intraventricular flow patterns. To this, future model developments in the form of e.g., anatomically accurate LV valves may further enhance the clinical value of the simulations.
Larsson et al. (Fri,) conducted a observational in Normal and reduced left ventricular function (n=100). Patient-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations from 4D transthoracic echocardiography vs. Pulsed-wave Doppler and phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated on Velocity error compared to in-vivo measurements. Patient-specific computational fluid dynamics simulations based on 4D transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated an error of <11% compared to in-vivo flow measurements.