Cardiovascular Fluid Mechanics Research

Computational:
• Reconstruction Methods
    Obtain 3D, patient specific geometry from X-ray angiography or magnetic resonance angiography for use in construction of computational meshes
• 3D PHT/MRI Simulations
    Simulate coupled blood and artery-wall motion (via coupled CFD & FEA solvers = fluid-structure interaction, FSI) in patient-specific models.(Movie)
    Validate flows & wall motions with PC-MRI studies
    Velocity and shear results are applied to determine impact of proximal stiffening on distal flow conditions
     Pressure drop may be used as a non-invasive pressure measurement.
• TCPC Simulations (Movie)
     Simulate coupled blood and artery-wall motion (w/ FSI) in generic models of the TCPC circuit
     Use secondary flows and pressure to determine efficiencies of different circuit geometries
• Straight Tube Models
     Validate in-vitro & in-vivo flow perfusion experiments and their correlation with wall stiffness

Experimental/Flow Lab:
• Basic Research:
    Analysis and imaging of turbulent intra-cardiac jets.
    Fluid mechanics and non-invasive imaging of prosthetic heart valves.
    Vortex dynamics of ventricular filling.(Movie1) (Movie2)
    Hemodynamics of the total cavopulmonary connection.(Movie)
    Development of non-invasive methods to quantify pulmonary hypertension.
    Three-dimensional echo / Doppler imaging and quantitative analysis.

　

NSF, NIH, AHA,March of Dimes.

Computational Specific: Numerical simulations of the vasculature can provide much greater detail of physiological flows and arterial motions than is available with current imaging methods. Our mission is to develop techniques to quickly build meshes and perform simulations, then apply their results to improve diagnostic imaging, gain insight into disease development and progression, and provide unique diagnostic information.

Flow Lab Specific: The mission of the Cardiovascular Flow and Imaging Research Laboratory at The Children's Hospital, Denver, is to utilize engineering principles and analysis to both understand cardiovascular dynamics and develop novel non-invasive methods to improve clinical diagnostics and treatment.