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Hemodynamics in Normal and Diseased Livers: Application of Image-Based Computational Models

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Abstract

This investigation demonstrates the utility of image-based computational models in portal venous hemodynamics. The long-term objective is to develop methodologies based upon noninvasive imaging and hemodynamic computational models for blood flow in major vessels of the liver that will significantly augment and improve current practices in clinical care. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were used to investigate liver hemodynamics. MRI data were obtained in 7 healthy subjects and 4 patients diagnosed with cirrhosis, and computational models were developed and validated for two healthy subjects and two patients. Additional simulations of post-prandial hemodynamics and portal hypertension were completed. The MRI studies identified several new parameters (portal vein V avg/total liver volume, V var, splenic vein flow rate per total liver volume, and % splenic flow/portal vein flow) that offer statistical differentiation between healthy subjects and patients with liver disease. Computational models were used to calculate the contribution of blood supply to the right and left lobes of the liver derived from the superior mesenteric vein (greater in healthy subjects vs. patients); and simulate post-prandial conditions and progressive portal hypertension. CFD offers a tool to test hypotheses without the acquisition of additional data and elucidate hemodynamic effects as disease progresses. In addition, several new MRI derived parameters have been identified as having promise to distinguish between healthy and patient groups and, potentially, to monitor disease progression.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the following for their support of this work; study volunteers, Puneet Sharma, PhD, Lakshmi Dasi, PhD, Jason Brinkley, PhD, Megha Sinha and the Cardiovascular Fluid Mechanics Laboratory. Research was partially supported by the Georgia Research Alliance and the East Carolina University Division of Research and Graduate Studies.

Statement of Human Studies

All procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation (institutional and national) and with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2000 (5). Informed consent was obtained from all patients for being included in the study. All procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation (institutional and national).

Statement of Animal Studies

No animal studies were carried out by the authors for this article.

Conflict of Interest

Author Stephanie M. George, Author Lisa M. Eckert, Author Diego R. Martin, and Author Don. P. Giddens declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Engineering, East Carolina University, 225 Slay Building, Mail Stop 117, Greenville, NC, 27858-4353, USA

    Stephanie M. George & Lisa M. Eckert

  2. Department of Radiology, University Medical Center, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Ave., P.O. Box 245067, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA

    Diego R. Martin

  3. Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, 313 Ferst Drive, Room 3112, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0535, USA

    Don P. Giddens

Authors
  1. Stephanie M. George
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Correspondence to Stephanie M. George.

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Associate Editor Steven C. George oversaw the review of this article.

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George, S.M., Eckert, L.M., Martin, D.R. et al. Hemodynamics in Normal and Diseased Livers: Application of Image-Based Computational Models. Cardiovasc Eng Tech 6, 80–91 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13239-014-0195-5

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