Development and validation of numerical blood flow model providing medical decision support for the management of patients with coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease and atherosclerotic plaques in the major arteries are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the American Heart Association the cost of cardiovascular disease in ten years time will exceed $1 Trillion. We developed an integrated diagnostic assistance package, which consists of a reduced-order numerical model used to simulate blood flow through a cardiovascular network and corresponding IT interface. Proposed methodology uses combination of Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography measurements, supplemented by computed Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) – a non-invasive personalized test, which is not only reducing the rate of death, but is also cost-effective compared to stress ECG testing of chest pain patients. The numerical simulation model employs a set of 1-D conservation equations for the pulsating flow with additional modules accounting for the effects of variable length stenosis and effective obstruction, vessels curvature and bifurcations and variations of blood viscosity. Validation of numerical model is carried out against controlled experiments in 3D-printed cardiovascular model and in-vivo measurements. Utilization of in-vivo and in-vitro experimental data allows for a better control and fine-tuning of the model parameters.