Application of an adaptive control grid interpolation technique to morphological vascular reconstruction: a component of a comprehensive surgical planning and evaluation tool

The total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) is a palliative surgical repair performed on children with a single ventricle (SV) physiology. Much of the power produced by the resultant single ventricle pump is consumed in the systemic circulation. Consequently the minimization of power loss in the TCPC is imperative for optimal surgical outcome. As a component of a comprehensive surgical planning and evaluation tool we have developed a method of vascular morphology reconstruction based on adaptive control grid interpolation to function as a precursor to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis aimed at quantifying power loss. Our technique combines positive aspects of optical flow-based and block-based motion estimation algorithms to accurately reconstruct vascular geometries with a minimal degree of computational complexity. Subsequent CFD simulations offer the pressure and velocity information necessary to quantify power loss in the TCPC on a pre and post-operative basis. Collectively these steps form a powerful tool for both surgical planning and evaluation aimed at producing optimal TCPC configurations for successful surgical outcomes. Both reconstruction and CFD components of the technique will be discussed.