METHOD AND PROCESS FOR PROVIDING A SUBJECT-SPECIFIC COMPUTATIONAL MODEL USED FOR DECISION SUPPORT AND MAKING DIAGNOSIS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

摘要

The invention regards a subject-specific simulation model of at least one component in the cardiovascular system for simulating blood flow and/or structural features. This simulation model can be used as a tool for cardiovascular diagnostic and / or treatment planning. The invention also regards non-invasive medical imaging of the cardiovascular system making it possible to detect and grade pathology related to both anatomical and physiological abnormalities. The subject-specific simulation model of a component in the cardiovascular system, for instance a pumping heart, is reconstructed by combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and/or fluid structure interaction (FSI) algorithms with medical imaging, such as for example ultrasound, MRI or CT. Such models make it possible to describe the complex flow phenomenon and provide flow details on a level not possible by medical imaging alone. The subject-specific models provided by the invention, is a tool for clinical decision-making, an objective support for health care professionals in making decisions prior to surgery. As such, the simulation model provides new insight into the outcome of surgical intervention on cardiac blood flow.