Communications of the ACM
A Computer Simulation to Spare Children From Heart Surgery
Fraunhofer researchers have developed software to simulate certain medical interventions in advance.
Credit: Fraunhofer MEVIS
Researchers at Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Medical Image Computing (MEVIS) have developed software to model and compare various pediatric heart surgery interventions in advance, as part of the European Union's CARDIOPROOF project.
The research team says the tool could improve treatment quality and help determine the necessity of surgery.
The simulation is derived from images of a patient's heart obtained with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, detailing the shape of blood vessels and blood flow.
"Our algorithms can detect which blood pressure conditions are found in the vessels," says Fraunhofer MEVIS' Anja Hennemuth. "Important is the degree to which the blood pressure differs before and after a vascular constriction."
Based on a blood flow model, specialists can duplicate and estimate various interventions by computer and monitor their impact on blood flow and pressure.
"With the help of our software, clinicians can make informed decisions about which type of intervention is most appropriate and whether the intervention can be delayed or even forgone," Hennemuth says.
CARDIOPROOF's organizers say the goal of the project is to develop a system for daily use in real-world clinical settings.
From Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
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