Simulation and interactive multi-dimensional visualization of cardiac dynamics using a patient-specific physics-based model

Study of cardiac dynamics requires analysis of multi-dimensional spatial and temporal variables and complex electromechanical coupling mechanisms. Therefore it requires careful attention to these factors in order to develop a model of the heart that realistically simulates cardiac function. Motion information can be extracted by examining and tracking twoto four-dimensional image data. Electro-physiological recordings can provide data on the conduction system of the heart. By effectively combining and representing such data, both qualitative and quantitative analyses can be carried out to reveal important dynamic changes during the heartbeat. To acquire an entire heart cycle from a patient is often not possible in clinical practice. Also, the parameters derived from the patient’s pre-operative image data cannot reflect changes in the patient’s cardiac morphology and physiology during or after operations. Normal functioning of the heart depends on healthy and synchronous conduction and contraction systems, which are influenced heavily by the anisotropic fiber microstructure of the heart. We have developed a method that incorporates muscle fiber track information, a physics-based deformable model and a classic electrical conduction system to realistically simulate cardiac dynamics. The simulation aims to accurately reproduce myocardial motion during the heartbeat. The simulation provides a multi-dimensional visualization of cardiac dynamics. In complex clinical procedures, such as intra-cardiac catheter ablation, a real-time dynamic heart model that displays the patient’s updated heart anatomy and physiology with low latency during the procedure provides an effective image-guided tool for optimal therapeutic results.