Webinar – Hierarchical VVUQ strategy for credibly assessing virtual heart valve device

– For European prospects –
Are you interested in the latest advancements in biomedical engineering and finite element modeling? 4RealSim, in collaboration with the EU-funded SimInSitu project, invites you to our upcoming webinar on developing credible patient-specific in-silico FEM models for biodegradable heart valves.

Hierarchical VVUQ Approach

Discover how we implemented a hierarchical verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification (VVUQ) approach to create a credible patient-specific in-silico FEM model for biodegradable heart valves. Our approach includes seven levels of complexity, starting with material modeling and culminating in the development of an in-silico patient-specific platform.

Development of the Pulmonary Heart Valve

Learn about the progress in developing a Pulmonary Heart Valve made from a biodegradable scaffold. This scaffold gradually dissolves in the human body, promoting the formation of new native tissue.

Modeling Process Overview

We will discuss the first three levels of our modeling process:
– Material Characterization and Constitutive Modeling
– Device Component
– Complete Device
For each level, we systematically conducted verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification activities, ensuring the credibility of our models.

Calibration and Uncertainty Propagation

Understand our calibration efforts at the material level to account for various sources of uncertainty related to material behavior and experimental characterization. The hierarchical approach allowed us to propagate uncertainty from lower to higher complexity levels, identifying significant factors and parameters.

Simulation and Automation Tools

Explore how we used Abaqus Standard/Explicit, including UMAT/VUMAT programming, for all modeling activities and simulations. Automation and UQ tasks, including meta-modeling, were conducted with Isight.

Experimental Validation

Learn about our experimental validation tests designed to evaluate the functions of the device’s conduit and leaflets independently. While our model accurately captured the behavior of the leaflets, initial discrepancies in the conduit’s structural response led to further characterization and recalibration efforts, ultimately achieving successful validation.

Benefits of the Hierarchical Approach

The hierarchical approach, though requiring substantial work at all levels, is particularly useful in establishing model credibility. Gain insights into the significant advantages of this method for developing complex biomedical models.

Who should attend?

This webinar is intended for engineers, researchers, and professionals interested in biomedical engineering, finite element modeling, and the development of patient-specific medical devices.