Researchers at Sechenov University unveil a CT-based tool to evaluate heart blood flow and forecast vasodilation surgery outcomes
Researchers from the Institute of Personalized Cardiology at Sechenov University, part of the Ministry of Health of Russia, have developed an innovative technology to assess blood movement in the heart’s vessels using computed tomography (CT). This system also predicts the potential results of vasodilation procedures, delivering outcomes in just 10–20 minutes. The findings and capabilities of this technology have been described to the public in a detailed briefing by the university.
Coronary stenosis is a permanent narrowing of a heart vessel that can threaten life, and it is commonly addressed with stenting. Stenting involves inserting a small scaffold to widen the vessel. An indicator of reduced blood flow in the coronary arteries—the vessels supplying the heart muscle—helps clinicians decide whether an intervention is needed. Yet traditional intravascular sensors for this measurement are costly, difficult to sterilize, and the procedure requires a catheterization laboratory, which can limit accessibility and increase complexity.
To broaden access to blood flow assessment and streamline the process, Sechenov University researchers introduced “Virtual PRK,” a digital service designed to determine the degree of coronary artery stenosis using CT data. The approach aims to reduce dependency on invasive sensor-based methods while maintaining diagnostic reliability for guiding treatment decisions.
For each patient, CT images and relevant parameters such as arterial pressure, heart rate, and stroke volume are fed into the software. The system then constructs a model of the coronary artery network and uses it to estimate pressure distribution along the vessels. This modeling enables clinicians to gauge how blood flow behaves in different segments and where potential intervention may be most beneficial.
According to Professor Philip Kopylov, director of the Institute of Personalized Cardiology, the technology can indicate the level of blood flow in each vessel and determine whether repair is necessary. Importantly, it can also simulate the vessel condition following surgery, predicting how removing the constriction would influence overall blood flow. This capability is designed to enhance the effectiveness of stenting by providing clearer preoperative expectations and post-procedure scenarios. The professor noted that a significant portion of stenting procedures may not achieve the desired effect, and the new tool has the potential to improve outcomes by guiding better patient selection and planning.
The method relies on a one-dimensional model of blood flow rather than full three-dimensional simulations. This simplification differentiates it from some international approaches. Although simplified, the model preserves sufficient accuracy to produce timely results, dramatically reducing the turnaround from about 24 hours to 10–20 minutes, which is crucial for urgent decision-making in the catheterization lab and for faster clinical workflows.
Clinical validation is progressing, with the technology having completed technical assessments and moving toward formal clinical trials. Researchers anticipate obtaining regulatory clearance for the technology within roughly six months, a milestone that would pave the way for broader use in medical centers and potentially influence standard practices in assessing and treating coronary artery disease.
In related developments, prior scientific work has underscored factors that elevate stroke risk, drawing attention to how comprehensive cardiovascular assessments can inform preventive strategies and therapeutic choices. The current project highlights how noninvasive imaging and computational modeling can complement established diagnostic tools, offering a more accessible route to evaluating coronary health and planning interventions with greater confidence.