Modelling cardiac haemodynamics using fluid-structure interaction and statistical shape models – Numerical sub-project

During the first funding period, essential foundations were established for the development of an integrated model-based approach to investigate cardiovascular function. Clinicians and engineers worked closely together to identify relevant medical data, develop processes for image acquisition and processing, and create models for simulating the cardiovascular system. Model-specific boundary conditions for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were defined, patient-specific and population-based parameters for open-loop lumped-parameter models (LPMs) were derived, and relevant biomarkers for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases were identified. In addition, image-based flow measurements using 4D MRI and Doppler echocardiography were selected for validation purposes. For clinical application, an MRI protocol was established that enables routine imaging.

As part of the development of an LPM, the left heart was represented in detail using an open-loop circulatory system capable of reproducing both healthy and pathological conditions. These models provide a robust basis for simulating complex clinical scenarios. In the second project phase, the existing models will be further refined, personalized, and coupled in order to ensure reliable patient-specific representation of cardiac function. The aim is to develop a comprehensive, automated simulation platform that enables specific clinical scenarios—such as postoperative conditions or exercise testing—to be simulated on a personalized basis, thereby supporting treatment optimization. The close collaboration between clinical practice and engineering, together with the use of multiple imaging modalities, ensures a high degree of clinical relevance and transferability of the developed methods.