Feature

How simulation can protect us from heart conditions

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of death globally, taking nearly 18 million lives every year. One of these diseases is ascending aorta aneurysms (AsAAs), a life-threatening condition brought about by a bulge or weak spot in the aorta, the body’s crucial artery. An aneurysm occurs when a blood vessel bursts suddenly, with often fatal results.

04/12/2023 14:45:28

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However, modern medicine has meant that the diagnosis of an AsAA does not lead to an inevitable outcome, with effective treatment, lifestyle changes, or in serious cases, surgery all able to improve a patient’s chance of survival. For example, of those who have surgery, 79 percent will extend their life by over 10 years. As with many medical emergencies, though, time is of the essence.

If a rupture does occur, the first 48 hours are all important – without emergency surgery in this time, only 50 percent of patients can be expected to recover.

Alongside this, detailed clinical assessments and accurate diagnosis also play a crucial role in determining a patient’s chance of survival. These are based on a range of factors, such as family history, medical expertise, and a range of tests, including imaging technologies. It is in this area where modern techniques, such as the use of digital twins to simulate any given circumstance, have a significant role to play, moving forward.

By using simulation, medical teams will be able to identify what to do in the case of an aneurysm much more quickly and accurately in that crucial initial stage.

Read the full article in DPA's December issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.