Thermal simulation of the lower limb in vascular medicine: A proof-of-concept by using computed tomography images

Abstract

Simulations of physiology based on patient-specific anatomical structures have several potential applications in medicine. A few fields, such as radiotherapy and neurophysiology already utilize such methods in clinical practice, yet a number of disciplines could benefit from similar technologies, especially when imaging data is already available. The major problem in patient-specific simulation is the data conversion to simulation-compatible form i.e., data preparation and the coupling of the underlying physics to the anatomical model. In this work we present such a methodology in the context of vascular medicine, consisting of a three-dimensional blood flow-temperature simulation model of the lower limb built from computed tomography data. We also simulate a clinical condition of chronic limb-threatening ischemia, a severe complication of peripheral arterial disease. This proof-of-concept model simulates the limb's surface temperature with respect to the vascular structure. The methodology, depicting accurate patient anatomy, is a promising step towards individualized physiological simulations in vascular medicine, although more research and validation are required. Such a model could eventually outline a deeper understanding of the relation between vascular changes and peripheral thermal behavior.