Mathematical simulations of pediatric hemodynamics in isolated ventricular septal defect

TL;DR

This study develops a computational model to simulate pediatric hemodynamics in ventricular septal defect (VSD), considering VSD size, vascular parameters, and age, to better understand their combined effects on heart function.

Contribution

It introduces a novel integrated modeling approach that accounts for VSD size and age-dependent changes, advancing personalized simulations for pediatric VSD management.

Findings

Hemodynamic conditions vary significantly with VSD size.

Age influences systemic and pulmonary circulation interactions.

Model provides a foundation for digital twin development in pediatric cardiology.

Abstract

Computer modeling of the cardiovascular system has potential to revolutionize personalized medical care. This is especially promising for congenital heart defects, such as ventricular septal defect (VSD), a hole between the two ventricles of the heart. However, relatively few studies have built computer models for VSD, nor have they considered how natural adaptation to the cardiovascular system with age might interact with the presence of a small, medium, or large size VSD. Here, we combine a lumped parameter model of the cardiovascular system with two key modeling components: a size-dependent resistance dictating shunt flow between the two ventricles and age-dependent scaling relationships for the systemic and pulmonary circulations. Our results provide insight into changes in hemodynamic conditions with various VSD sizes. We investigate the combined effects of VSD size, vascular parameters, and age, showing distinct differences with these three factors. This study lays the necessary foundation for studying VSD and towards building digital shadows and digital twins for managing VSD in pediatrics.