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Simulation Analysis Tab

This panel provides a real-time dashboard of key performance indicators from the simulation.

Overall Performance Metrics​

This top section displays key values for the catheter as a whole.

  • X/Y Pullwire Displacement: The commanded displacement value for the pullwires along each primary axis.

  • Tip Angle (Theta): The total integrated bend angle of the catheter tip relative to its base, reported in degrees.

  • Tip Angle (Phi): The azimuthal angle, representing the rotational direction of the bend. A value of 0° indicates a bend purely in the +Y direction, while 90° indicates a bend purely in the +X direction.

  • X/Y Wire Tension: The simulated tension in each individual pullwire.

  • Total Strain Energy: The total potential energy stored in the catheter due to bending and twisting.

  • Tip Position (X,Y,Z): The spatial coordinates of the distal tip of the catheter in the 3D world with the proximal end of the catheter serving as the origin.

  • Tip Quat (W,X,Y,Z): The orientation of the catheter tip expressed as a quaternion.

Per-Section Analysis​

This area provides calculated metrics for each individual flexible section defined in the catheter setup. Rigid sections are excluded from these calculations.

  • Bend Radius: The simulated radius of curvature for each flexible section. A very large number or "--" indicates the section is currently straight. The value will turn red if the bend radius falls below the calculated critical kinking radius.
  • Bending Moment: The internal moment within each section resulting from deflection forces. The value will turn red if the bending moment exceeds the calculated maximum moment at material failure.
  • Ovalization: When a catheter section is bent, the cross-section deforms into an oval shape. This occurs because differential stresses—tension on the outer curve and compression on the inner curve—cause the section to flatten perpendicular to the plane of bending. This phenomenon is critical to characterize for maintaining Inner Diameter (ID) clearance, as the dimensional change can lead to increased friction when navigating ancillary components. VirtuCath calculates the ovalization of the catheter Outer Diameter (OD) and ID for each section, displaying the resultant major and minor axis dimensions.