Digital Twins of Blood Flow: Computational Fluid Dynamics for Personalized Treatment Optimization in Deep Vein Thrombosis

Blood, flow, and algorithms: How computers are joining the fight against thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities is a common condition significantly shaped by the physical dynamics of blood flow. However, standard clinical practice typically fails to account for detailed vessel-specific blood flow dynamics, thereby limiting the potential for personalized treatment. Developed by Magdalena Otta, PhD, from Sano – Centre for Individualised Computational Medicine, a novel computational modeling tool enables the analysis of a patient's individual hemodynamics through a digital twin of their vascular system. By simulating blood flow parameters based on standard medical imaging, this tool can assist clinicians in treating DVT more effectively while reducing the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and recurrent DVT. By linking patient-specific vein geometry with flow dynamics, the system can also be applied in preventative care—estimating disease risk and supporting therapeutic decision-making. The project aims to bring advanced simulation methods into routine clinical practice to enhance treatment outcomes through personalized analysis.

Magdalena Otta is a participant in the first edition of PRIME—a program supporting the commercialization of science, run by the Foundation for Polish Science and funded under the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG) program. As part of PRIME, the researcher and her team—Dominik Czaplicki, PhD (Technology Transfer Manager) and Katarzyna Baliga-Nicholson, PhD (Business Lead)—will develop their skills in deploying and commercializing their research.

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PRIME is Poland's only tailor-made acceleration program for knowledge and technology transfer designed specifically for researchers and research institutions, offering individualized support paths for commercializing innovative products. The program provides opportunities for both skill development (including specialized training) and practical application (such as discussions with potential target users). The authors of the most promising ideas receive customized implementation support for their chosen commercialization pathway. The PRIME project is funded by the European Funds for a Modern Economy (#FENG) program and implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science (#FNP).