A novel MRI-based data fusion methodology for efficient, personalised, compliant simulations of aortic haemodynamics. (2nd December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stokes, Catriona; Bonfanti, Mirko; Li, Zeyan; Xiong, Jiang; Chen, Duanduan; Balabani, Stavroula; Díaz-Zuccarini, Vanessa
• Is Part Of: Journal of biomechanics. Volume 129(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12-02
• Subjects: Aorta -- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) -- Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) -- Patient-specific simulation -- Haemodynamics; Animal mechanics -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Mécanique animale -- Périodiques; Biomécanique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 571.4305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2021.110793
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9290

Abstract

Abstract: We present a novel, cost-efficient methodology to simulate aortic haemodynamics in a patient-specific, compliant aorta using an MRI data fusion process. Based on a previously-developed Moving Boundary Method, this technique circumvents the high computational cost and numerous structural modelling assumptions required by traditional Fluid-Structure Interaction techniques. Without the need for Computed Tomography (CT) data, the MRI images required to construct the simulation can be obtained during a single imaging session. Black Blood MR Angiography and 2D Cine-MRI data were used to reconstruct the luminal geometry and calibrate wall movement specifically to each region of the aorta. 4D-Flow MRI and non-invasive pressure measurements informed patient-specific inlet and outlet boundary conditions. Luminal area closely matched 2D Cine-MRI measurements with a mean error of less than 4.6% across the cardiac cycle, while physiological pressure and flow distributions were simulated to within 3.3% of patient-specific targets. Moderate agreement with 4D-Flow MRI velocity data was observed. Despite lower peak velocity, an equivalent rigid-wall simulation predicted a mean Time-Averaged Wall Shear Stress (TAWSS) 13% higher than the compliant simulation. The agreement observed between compliant simulation results and MRI data is testament to the accuracy and efficiency of this MRI-based simulation technique.