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Getting Started

Installation​

  1. Download the VirtuCath installer from virtucath.com/beta-download.html.
  2. Run the installer (VirtuCath_Setup.exe) and follow the on-screen prompts. Administrator privileges may be required.
  3. Once installed, launch VirtuCath from the Start Menu or Desktop shortcut.

License Activation​

On first launch, you will be prompted to activate your license. Paste your License Key into the activation dialog and click Activate. Your key will be validated against the VirtuCath servers and your seat will be locked to your hardware. See Section 13 for full licensing details including offline activation.

Every installation includes a 14-day free trial with full access to all features — no license key required to get started. Once the trial expires, the software will enter Trial Mode and model building and simulation execution will be disabled until a valid license key is applied.

Main Window Overview​

When VirtuCath opens, you will see three primary panels:

  • Left Panel (Tabs):
    • Catheter Setup Tab: Define the physical and mechanical properties of your catheter design.
    • Simulation Control Tab: Control the simulation and drive the virtual pullwires in real-time.
  • Center Panel (3D Viewer): Displays an interactive 3D rendering of the catheter physics simulation.
  • Right Panel (Data Readout): Live telemetry dashboard showing tip angles, pullwire forces, and analysis metrics.
  • Menu Bar: Access file operations, reports, unit settings, tools, and help resources.

Your First Simulation​

The fastest way to get familiar with VirtuCath is to load the built-in default catheter and run a simulation:

  1. Load the default design: On launch, a simple single-section catheter is pre-loaded automatically. You can also go to File > Load Config and select any saved .json catheter file.
  2. Build the model: In the Catheter Setup Tab, click Build Model. The 3D viewer will populate with the catheter geometry.
  3. Run the simulation: Switch to the Simulation Control Tab and click Run Simulation.
  4. Deflect the catheter: Use the on-screen directional control pad to apply pullwire displacement and observe the catheter curve in the 3D viewer.
  5. Review the data: Check the right panel for live tip angle, bend radius, and pullwire force readouts.

Saving and Loading Catheter Designs​

Your catheter configuration is stored as a .json file and can be saved and loaded at any time:

  • Save: File > Save Config... — saves all layer definitions, section geometry, materials, and pullwire settings.
  • Load: File > Load Config... — restores a previously saved design and automatically rebuilds the model.

The .json file captures the full catheter definition but does not save simulation run history or exported report data.