Feasibility of rapid and automated importation of 3D echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) geometry into a finite element (FEM) analysis model.
BACKGROUND
Finite element method (FEM) analysis for intraoperative modeling of the left ventricle (LV) is presently not possible. Since 3D structural data of the LV is now obtainable using standard transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) devices intraoperatively, the present study describes a method to transfer this data into a commercially available FEM analysis system: ABAQUS.


METHODS
In this prospective study TomTec LV Analysis TEE Software was used for semi-automatic endocardial border detection, reconstruction, and volume-rendering of the clinical 3D echocardiographic data. A newly developed software program MVCP FemCoGen, written in Delphi, reformats the TomTec file structures in five patients for use in ABAQUS and allows visualization of regional deformation of the LV.


RESULTS
This study demonstrates that a fully automated importation of 3D TEE data into FEM modeling is feasible and can be efficiently accomplished in the operating room.


CONCLUSIONS
For complete intraoperative 3D LV finite element analysis, three input elements are necessary: 1. time-gaited, reality-based structural information, 2. continuous LV pressure and 3. instantaneous tissue elastance. The first of these elements is now available using the methods presented herein.
Department of Medical Informatics, University Hospital Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse-40, 37075-Göttingen, Germany. verhey@med.uni-goettingen.de
Janko F
JF
Verhey
Nadia S
NS
Nathan
D019560:Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D012984:Software; D013997:Time Factors