PhD defence Sebastiaan Dries Bert Dhont
Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Ir. Joost Lumens, Prof. Dr. Ir. Philippe Bertrand
Keywords: Heart Failure (HFpEF), Mitral Valve, Computational Modeling (Digital Twin), Hemodynamics
"The Hemodynamic Interplay of Valve and Myocardium in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: From Phenotyping to Personalized Modeling"
This thesis investigated the complex relationship between underlying heart muscle dysfunction and heart valve disease in patients suffering from 'Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction' (HFpEF). Because HFpEF is a growing epidemic among the elderly and notoriously difficult to diagnose, this research focused on uncovering the hidden interactions between the heart's chambers and the mitral valve. By utilizing advanced medical imaging and innovative computer simulations, creating a 'Digital Twin' of the patient's cardiovascular system, this thesis modeled how the diseased heart reacts to a leaking or narrowed mitral valve. The findings demonstrate that distinguishing between primarily valve-related issues and muscle-related problems is crucial. Importantly, this work highlights that treatment should not solely focus on repairing the valve, but must equally care for the underlying heart muscle. Extensive attention was devoted to this holistic approach, including the evaluation of new therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, this research paves the way for personalized medicine, where computer models can predict the success of specific interventions, leading to better-tailored and more effective care for heart failure patients.
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