Efficient computation of interacting model systems

Physiological processes in the human body can be predicted by mathematical models. Medical Decision Support Systems (MDSS) might exploit these predictions when optimizing therapy settings. In critically ill patients depending on mechanical ventilation, these predictions should also consider other organ systems of the human body. In a previously presented framework we combine elements of three model families: respiratory mechanics, cardiovascular dynamics and gas exchange. Computing combinations of moderately complex submodels showed to be computationally costly thus limiting the applicability of those model combinations in an MOSS. A decoupled computing approach was therefore developed, which enables individual evaluation of every submodel. Direct model interaction is not possible in separate calculations. Therefore, interface signals need to be substituted by estimates. These estimates are iteratively improved by increasing model detail in every iteration exploiting the hierarchical structure of the implemented model families. Simulation error converged to a minimum after three iterations. Maximum simulation error showed to be 1.44% compared to the original common coupled computing approach. Simulation error was found to be below measurement noise generally found in clinical data. Simulation time was reduced by factor 34 using one iteration and factor 13 using three iterations. Following the proposed calculation scheme moderately complex model combinations seem to be applicable for model based decision support. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.