Abstract

In recent years, the study of computational hemodynamics within anatomically complex vascular regions has generated great interest among clinicians. The progress in computational fluid dynamics, image processing and high-performance computing have allowed us to identify the candidate vascular regions for the appearance of cardiovascular diseases and to predict how this disease may evolve. In this monograph we attempt to introduce into medicine the computational predictive paradigm that has been used in engineering for many years. Several groups have tried to create predictive models for cardiovascular pathologies, but they have not yet begun to use them in clinical practice. Our final aim is to go further and obtain predictive variables to be used in the clinical field.

We try to predict the evolution of aortic abdominal aneurysm, aortic coarctation and coronary artery disease in a personalized way for each patient. We propose diagnostic indicators that can improve the diagnosis and predict the evolution of the disease more efficiently than the methods used until now. In particular, a new methodology for computing diagnostic indicators based on computational hemodynamics and medical imaging is proposed. We have worked with data of anonymous patients to create real predictive technology that will allow us to continue advancing in personalized medicine and generate a more sustainable health systems. The objective of this monograph is therefore to develop predictive models for cardiovascular pathologies by merging medical imaging and computational techniques at a clinical level.

It is expected in the near future that larger databases of patient-specific computational models will be available to doctors. These data can be used with predictive models to improve diagnosis and to define personalized therapies and treatments.