Simulation as a preoperative planning approach in advanced heart failure patients. A retrospective clinical analysis

• Published in: Biomedical engineering online 2018-05, Vol.17 (1), p.52-52, Article 52
• Main Authors: Capoccia, Massimo, Marconi, Silvia, Singh, Sanjeet Avtaar, Pisanelli, Domenico M, De Lazzari, Claudio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CARDIOSIM; Care and treatment; Health aspects; Heart failure; Modelling; Simulation; Ventricular assist device
• ISSN: 1475-925X; 1475-925X
• DOI: 10.1186/s12938-018-0491-7

Modelling and simulation may become clinically applicable tools for detailed evaluation of the cardiovascular system and clinical decision-making to guide therapeutic intervention. Models based on pressure-volume relationship and zero-dimensional representation of the cardiovascular system may be a suitable choice given their simplicity and versatility. This approach has great potential for application in heart failure where the impact of left ventricular assist devices has played a significant role as a bridge to transplant and more recently as a long-term solution for non eligible candidates. We sought to investigate the value of simulation in the context of three heart failure patients with a view to predict or guide further management. CARDIOSIM was the software used for this purpose. The study was based on retrospective analysis of haemodynamic data previously discussed at a multidisciplinary meeting. The outcome of the simulations addressed the value of a more quantitative approach in the clinical decision process. Although previous experience, co-morbidities and the risk of potentially fatal complications play a role in clinical decision-making, patient-specific modelling may become a daily approach for selection and optimisation of device-based treatment for heart failure patients. Willingness to adopt this integrated approach may be the key to further progress.