Establishment of an individualized three-dimensional finite element model of type A coronary artery lesions / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:A cardiac model can be established by finite element analysis based on patient's MRI imaging data.The established model can be used to evaluate the rheological changes of the coronary artery by liquid-solid coupling.OBJECTIVE:To establish finite element models of the heart and coronary artery in patients with type A coronary artery disease using finite element analysis software,followed by three-dimensional (3D) printing,thereby providing a scientific basis for further simulation of interventional surgery.METHODS:Three patients with type A coronary artery lesions underwent MRI scanning from the aortic arch to the apex.The MRI images were then imported into the Mimics 17.0 software in Dicom format,and a complete cardiac model involving the coronary arteries was established by modeling and geometry cleanup.The 3D model was imported into Geomagic Studio 11.0 software,and was further processed.Finally,the 3D model was imported into ANSYS14.0 finite element analysis software.The finite element model with biofunction was established by attaching the material properties,followed by 3D printing on a 3D printer.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The 3D finite element model of type A coronary artery lesion was established successfully in three cases.The established heart model in each case presented with grid-based hexahedral solid elements.The number of solid elements was 24 532,25 771,and 24 330,respectively.In the meanwhile,the model of each coronary branch was establishedthe number of element at the right coronary artery was 3 320,3 518,and 3 310;the number of elements at the circumflex branch was 1 148,1 176,and 1 164;and the number of elements at the anterior descending coronary artery was 1 025,1 049,and 1 068,respectively.Afterwards,the 3D printing was performed successfully.These results suggest that the established 3D finite element model of the heart with coronary arteries,after 3D printing,displays the right coronary artery,anterior descending artery,circumflex artery and coronary sinus clearly,which paves ways for interventional simulation.Most importantly,it lays a solid foundation for the study on the blood-vessel dual-directional coupling,which is expected to be a new scientific method for rheological research.