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What is a heart simulator?

After more than 10 years of joint development by the University of Tokyo and Fujitsu Limited, it is now possible to reproduce the human heart by a supercomputer. Utilizing this technology, a practical model has been developed that allows quick response to needs of medical practice: the heart simulator.

By calculating the electrical and mechanical behavior at the molecular level using clinical data including CT and ultrasound images as input data, the heart simulator can reproduce the movements of an individual human heart faithfully and in detail. In addition to the movements of the heart, the simulator can, for example, also calculate the energy consumption in each part of the heart, and precisely calculates not only the external appearance but also changes in muscle thickness, internal structure, and even the flow of blood. It is a world-leading technology that allows a simulation by utilizing the computing power of supercomputers.

With this technology, even information that is difficult to obtain with current clinical examination equipment can be obtained in advance, and it is possible to try various treatments on a heart reproduced in a virtual space, allowing for more rational diagnoses and proposals of treatments that are less burdensome on the patient’s body.

Service under research and development: prediction of the effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy

Service overview
Perform a simulation before CRT implantation surgery to see whether or not the procedure will be effective for the patient and, if so, where to place the electrode for the best therapeutic effect

Issues solved
CRT (cardiac resynchronization therapy) is a treatment method that improves the heart’s pumping function through biventricular pacing
However, it has been reported that approximately 30% of patients do not benefit adequately from CRT
In today’s medical practice, it is not possible to accurately predict whether CRT is suitable for a patient.

Service under research and development: decision of surgical procedure and prediction of prognosis for congenital heart disease

Service overview
Assist doctors in selecting a surgical procedure, by faithfully reproducing the patient’s heart function on a computer and predicting the patient’s prognosis after surgery
Realize the world’s first surgical assistance system combining cardiac simulation (function) and replica business (form) enabling preoperative training of doctors

Issues solved
Even experienced doctors encounter decision-making difficulties because of the complex structure and blood movement in congenital heart disease cases
For example, when multiple surgical procedures are available for a single patient, it is often difficult for surgeons to determine which method will reduce the patient’s heart burden over his or her lifetime based on the surgeons’ experience alone
Further, the closer the surgery brings a heart to its normal shape, the higher are the burden on the patient and the risk of the surgery. At present, there are few ways to judge at which level the surgical procedure should be performed

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