ped UT-Heart

Congenital heart disease is characterized by significant variations in pathology between patients, as the hemodynamic patterns are complex and intertwined with structural abnormalities. For this reason, multiple surgical procedures are often considered, making thorough preoperative evaluation and the availability of robust diagnostic data essential.

Against this background, we are developing "ped UT-Heart," a cardiac simulator for pediatric use. The goal of this technology is to replicate the cardiac function of individual patients on a computer to support the evaluation of treatment strategies before surgery. Based on over 20 years of research at the University of Tokyo, this technology utilizes clinical data—such as CT scans and ultrasounds—to calculate electrical and mechanical behaviors at the molecular level. This allows for high-precision reproduction of heart movement, muscle changes, and hemodynamics. By constructing a "Bio-Digital Twin" of a specific patient's heart in a virtual space, it becomes possible to simulate multiple surgical options in advance.

The application of this simulator enables evaluations based on predicted postoperative blood flow changes and cardiac function, and it is expected to serve as a new information-sharing tool for diagnosis and treatment planning. Beyond preoperative assessment, we are also looking toward its application in surgical training for physicians.

This project is being promoted as a joint research initiative by the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, UT-Heart Institute Co., Ltd., Q’sfix Inc., and X-Medical Co., Ltd. Following an exploratory clinical trial in 2023, an investigator-initiated clinical trial began in December 2025, and evaluations for clinical application are currently underway.