Applications of Computational Fluid Dynamics in Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD), alone or coupled with the most advanced imaging tools, allows for the assessment of blood flow patterns in cardiovascular disease to both understand their pathophysiology and anticipate the results of their surgical or interventional repair. CFD is a mathematical technique that characterizes fluid flow using the laws of physics. Through the utilization of specific software and numerical procedures based on virtual simulation and/or patient data from computed tomography, resonance imaging, and 3D/4D ultrasound, models of circulation for most CHDs can be reconstructed. CFD can provide insight into the pathophysiology of coronary artery anomalies, interatrial shunts, coarctation of the aorta and bicuspid aortic valve, tetralogy of Fallot and univentricular heart, valvular heart disease, and aortic disease. In some cases, CFD may be able to simulate different types of surgical or interventional repairs, allowing for the tailoring of treatment accordingly.