Open Platform for Online Simulations for Stimulating Peripheral Activity to Relieve Conditions - o2S2PARC

It'Is Foundation, Zurich

Investigators

Abstract

Our SIM-CORE vision is to develop a comprehensive, user-friendly Open platform for Online Simulations for Stimulating Peripheral Activity to Relieve Conditions (o2S2PARC) that goes beyond the online provision and simulation of the models developed within the SPARC program, by embedding and simulating the models within the complex anatomy, which is crucial for the modeling of the physics of stimulation sources. The latter is required for the analysis and optimization of electroceuticals, treatment planning, and precision medicine applications that rely on predictive device-peripheral nervous system (PNS) interactions and organ function responses. With o2S2PARC, it will be possible to simulate interactions of nerve electrophysiology and organ physiology within the complex environment of the human body using state-of-the-art, highly detailed animal and human anatomical models with realistic tissue property distributions, and to facilitate mechanistic modeling that starts with the physics of the neuromodulation device. An enhanced, image-based modeling tool will be made available open-source and integrated into o2S2PARC, enabling users to create anatomical structures and place nerve trajectories according to their project-specific requirements. Advanced analysis tools that allow to perform sensitivity and uncertainty evaluations and optimization-based parameter fitting will be established. The online graphical user interface (GUI) allows interactive exploration of model parameters and dependencies in coupled multi-scale, multiphysics models. To ensure the usefulness and long-term community interest in the platform, we envision easy access points for the SPARC community to integrate new organ physiology models and solvers and extend the modeling, data analysis and visualization functionality through open file formats and simple plugins application programming interfaces. Close involvement of other SPARC teams during the project will provide early feedback and allow continuous adaption of the platform design to facilitate the integration and coupling of new models. IT?IS is committed to maintain the o2S2PARC platform and to develop a sustainability plan beyond the SPARC program. Based on our previous expertise and vision, we are confident and committed to realize o2S2PARC in accordance with the time-plan at the proposed costs, since the necessary infrastructure and know-how is readily available. Our experience includes the development of open-source software, user-friendly GUIs, coupling frameworks, high-performance and cloud computing, quality-assurance, and the maintenance and support of complex software platforms. Most importantly, we will be able to take full advantage of our Virtual Population functionalized anatomical models, the segmentation tools iSEG, and relevant elements of our multi-physics, multi-tissue, and multi-scale simulation platform Sim4Life, developed in collaboration with and commercialized by ZMT Zurich MedTech1. We also have large experience in the development, verification and validation of software tools and presentation of data according to regulatory requirements. The video submitted with this application, illustrates our experience and knowhow concerning modeling and simulation in neuromodulation. IT?IS has already successfully applied coupled electromagnetic-electrophysiological modeling to study low-frequency exposure-safety, electroceuticals, neuroprosthetics, and brain/-spinal-cord-stimulation. IT?IS is in a unique position to implement the outlined SIM-CORE platform to the benefit of the entire SPARC program - and realize the joint vision regarding modeling and simulation functionalities of the SPARC DRC.