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Response Surface Analysis Module

This module allows for the rapid exploration of the design space using virtual Design of Experiments (DOEs). By evaluating multiple design configurations automatically, this tool helps visualize the complex relationships between catheter design inputs and performance outputs via interactive response surface plots.

Optimization Setup​

This left panel is where you define the parameters of your virtual experiment.

  • Select Design Parameters: Choose the input variables you want to evaluate. You can select up to two continuous variables and/or one categorical attribute for an A/B split test.
    • Variables: Continuous parameters such as layer thickness or braid PPI.
    • Attributes: Categorical choices such as material selection or wire shape.
  • Range Configuration: For each selected variable, define the Minimum and Maximum values to establish the boundaries of your design space.
  • Run Experiment: Click this button to begin the automated simulation sweep. VirtuCath will calculate the static and dynamic properties across the defined parameter ranges to build the response surface model.

Running an experiment with two continuous variables generates a full 3D response surface, while selecting one variable produces a 2D response curve. Adding an attribute to either setup will generate a comparative A/B split analysis.

Response Surface Analysis​

The middle panel provides an interactive 3D visualization of the experiment results.

  • Interactive 3D Plot: Displays the predicted performance metric across your defined design space. You can rotate, pan, and zoom the plot using your mouse to examine the surface from any angle.
  • A/B Split Comparison: If an attribute was included in your setup, the plot will display two distinct surfaces (e.g., Blue and Orange) representing the two categorical choices, allowing for direct visual comparison of their impact on the response.
  • Exploration Sliders (X & Y): Use the sliders below the plot to navigate specific points on the response surface. As you move the sliders, a vertical indicator on the plot updates in real-time to pinpoint your exact location within the design space.
  • Predicted Value: The numerical readout dynamically updates to display the model's predicted performance metric for the specific combination of inputs selected by the sliders.

Performance Metrics​

The right panel allows you to select which calculated output to visualize on the response surface.

  • Output Selection Tree: Choose from a comprehensive list of calculated metrics.
    • Static Metrics: Properties derived directly from the catheter's construction, such as bending stiffness (EI), torsional stiffness (GJ), kink radius, or linear density.
    • Dynamic Metrics: Performance indicators derived from the simulation, such as tip deflection, wire tension, bend radius per section, or ovalization.
  • Export Results to CSV: Click this button to export the raw data generated during the experiment sweep for further statistical analysis or reporting in external software.