Anatomical And Functional Optimization Of A Hybrid Simulator To Support Medical Device Testing

The use of cardiovascular simulators is increasing in the last decades. In fact, given the heterogeneous nature of patients, a realistic model allows to conduct predictive studies on complex cardiovascular anomalies/diseases and to investigate the effects of therapies on the circulation. Hence, aim of this project is to develop an in vitro model able to reproduce the anatomical and functional conditions of different cardiovascular diseases. The work will consist in optimizing a hybrid simulator currently available at KU Leuven. The simulator is based on a complex and high-fidelity cardiovascular lumped parameters model. In this thesis the simulator will be connected with 3D-printed anatomical components in a hybrid innovative approach. To this end, MRI scan data of patients will be analyzed and used to create a 3D-printed model of the anatomical site under investigation. The 3D-printed element, together with hemodynamic data, will be fed as inputs to the simulator to improve its specificity and reliability in reproducing complex pathophysiological conditions. Different therapies (e.g. pharmacological therapies, mechanical circulatory support systems) will be tested and compared to help optimizing a therapeutic strategy tailored on different circulatory conditions. The goal of this work it to have a simulator capable to mimic anatomically and functionally the main pathophysiological phenomena observed in different patients, that can constitute a valuable tool for the testing and validation of the different medical treatments.