Computational Modeling of Cardiac Shockwave Therapy with Piezoelectric Transducers

Abstract

Cardiac shockwave therapy (CSWT) has emerged as a promising treatment for ischemic heart disease, offering non-invasive rehabilitation options for patients suffering from myocardial infarction and refractory angina pectoris. This thesis focuses on developing a computational model to simulate the generation and propagation of acoustic waves associated with CSWT, emphasizing the role of piezoelectric transducers. Utilizing COMSOL Multiphysics, several models were implemented, including two-dimensional axisymmetric and one-dimensional plane wave propagation models, based on the nonlinear time explicit acoustic physics interface. The study also explores the design and simulation of piezoelectric transducers. Coupled simulations which model both piezoelectric transducers and acoustic propagation in biological tissue were implemented. Complex three-dimensional anatomical geometries were constructed, though not simulated. The numerical methods developed provide insights into the acoustic behavior of shockwaves within tissues, though experimental validation remains pending. This research contributes to the advancement of CSWT technology, potentially facilitating the development of a wearable device for self-administered CSWT.