The effect of error propagation in the 3D reconstruction of coronary segments using CTCA images on crucial hemodynamic parameters.

The development of 3D reconstruction methods of the coronary vasculature has gained substantial ground during the past years. The accurate 3D reconstruction is of utmost importance because the propagation of errors caused by either equipment calibration errors, human errors or other error sources can seriously affect the computation of critical hemodynamic parameters such as Endothelial Shear Stress, intracoronary pressures etc. In this work, we present a study on how the 3D reconstruction error can affect the subsequent blood flow simulations in 3D coronary arterial models. Eight arterial segments were reconstructed, creating the control models and were then modified in order to create an underestimated and an overestimated model of the same segment using a 5% error. Cross-sectional ESS values, as well as, smartFFR values were calculated to examine the effect of the reconstruction error. As it was expected, the underestimated models presented with higher ESS values and lower smartFFR values, whereas the overestimated models presented with lower ESS values and higher smartFFR values, respectively.