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Biomedical subjects

D R Hose

Publications and source records attributed to D R Hose.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Characterisation of the haemodynamics of the superior mesenteric artery.

In contrast to its prevalence in the surrounding vasculature, occurrence of primary atherosclerotic disease in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is rare (Glagov et al., 1988. Hemodynamics and atherosclerosis, Insights and perspectives gained from studies of human arteries. Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 112(10), 1018-1031; Hansen et al., 2004. Mesenteric artery disease in the elderly. Journal of Vascular Surgery 40(1), 45-52). We hypothesise that this sparing might be attributed to more favourable haemodynamic characteristics in the SMA than in other vessels locally. Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images established that the SMA is highly mobile (Jeays, 2006. Investigation of blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery and its potential influence on atheroma and gut ischaemia. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Sheffield), and thus that an analysis based on rigid geometry might be inappropriate. This paper describes an efficient methodology for the construction of a patient-specific, time-dependent model of an arterial segment and reports the results of a haemodynamic characterisation of the SMA for one individual. A transient computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model was constructed by morphing a parametric mesh constructed from simple geometric primitives. This process has the merit that it is easy to control the element size distribution mapped onto the original geometric primitives. It is robust in operation, and is ideally suited to the generation of dynamic CFD meshes of arterial systems that are free from major pathology. Flow boundary conditions were determined based on phase contrast MRI velocity measurements. Comparative studies with rigid walls and with moving walls, based on the transient data, indicated that, despite the significant motion of the SMA (radial dilation of the order of 10% and translation of the order of the radius), the maximum (spatially and temporally-resolved) wall shear stresses changed by no more than 21.6% of a global norm, and the average change was less than 2.1%.

Hemorheology↗

Computer modelling study of the mechanism of optic nerve injury in blunt trauma.

AIM: The potential causes of the optic nerve injury as a result of blunt object trauma, were investigated using a computer model. METHODS: A finite element model of the eye, the optic nerve, and the orbit with its content was constructed to simulate blunt object trauma. We used a model of the first phalanx of the index finger to represent the blunt body. The trauma was simulated by impacting the blunt body at the surface between the globe and the orbital wall at velocities between 2-5 m/s, and allowing it to penetrate 4-10 mm below the orbital rim. RESULTS: The impact caused rotations of the globe of up to 5000 degrees /s, lateral velocities of up to 1 m/s, and intraocular pressures (IOP) of over 300 mm Hg. The main stress concentration was observed at the insertion of the nerve into the sclera, at the side opposite to the impact. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the most likely mechanisms of injury are rapid rotation and lateral translation of the globe, as well as a dramatic rise in the IOP. The strains calculated in the study should be sufficiently high to cause axonal damage and even the avulsion of the nerve. Finite element computer modelling has therefore provided important insights into a clinical scenario that cannot be replicated in human or animal experiments.

Computer Simulation↗

Outlook for grid service technologies within the @neurIST eHealth environment.

The aim of the @neurIST project is to create an IT infrastructure for the management of all processes linked to research, diagnosis and treatment development for complex and multi-factorial diseases. The IT infrastructure will be developed for one such disease, cerebral aneurysm and subarachnoid haemorrhage, but its core technologies will be transferable to meet the needs of other medical areas. Since the IT infrastructure for @neurIST will need to encompass data repositories, computational analysis services and information systems handling multi-scale, multi-modal information at distributed sites, the natural basis for the IT infrastructure is a Grid Service middleware. The project will adopt a service-oriented architecture because it aims to provide a system addressing the needs of medical researchers, clinicians and health care specialists (and their IT providers/systems) and medical supplier/consulting industries.

Database Management Systems↗

A computational study of the passive mechanisms of eye restraint during head impact trauma.

A finite element model of the eye and the orbit was used to examine the hypothesis that the orbital fat provides an important mechanism of eye stability during head trauma. The model includes the globe, the orbital fat, the extra-ocular muscles, and the optic nerve. MRI images of an adult human orbit were used to generate an idealized geometry of the orbital space. The globe was approximated as a sphere 12 mm in radius. The optic nerve and the sclera were represented as thin shells, whereas the vitreous and the orbital fat were represented as nearly incompressible solids of low stiffness. The orbital bone was modelled as a rigid shell. Frontal head impact resulting from a fall onto a hard floor was simulated by prescribing to the orbital bone a triangular acceleration pulse of 200 g (1962 m/s(2)) peak for a duration of 4.5 ms. The results show that the fat provides the crucial passive mechanism of eye restraint. The mechanism is a consequence of the fact that the fat is incompressible and that its motion is restricted by the rigidity of the orbital walls. Thus, the acceleration loads of short duration cannot generate significant distortion of the fat. In contrast, the passive muscles provide little support to the globe. When the connection between the orbital fat and the eye is absent the eye is held mainly by the optic nerve. We discuss the possible role that this loss of contact may have in some cases of the evulsion of the eye and the optic nerve.

Accidental Falls↗

A thermal analogy for modelling drug elution from cardiovascular stents.

Restriction of blood flow by the narrowing or occlusion of arteries is one of the most common presentations of cardiovascular disease. One treatment involves the introduction of a metal scaffold, or stent, designed to prevent recoil and to provide structural stability to the vessel. On the occasions that this treatment is ineffective, failure is usually associated with re-invasion of tissue. This can be prevented by local delivery of drugs which inhibit tissue growth. The drug might be delivered locally in a polymer coating on the stent. This paper develops and explores the use of a thermal analogue of the drug delivery process and the associated three-dimensional convection-diffusion equation to model the spatial and temporal distribution of drug concentration within the vessel wall. This allows the routine use of commercial finite element analysis software to investigate the dynamics of drug distribution, assist in the understanding of the treatment process and develop improved delivery systems. Two applications illustrate how the model might be used to investigate the effects of controllable or measurable parameters on the progression of the process. It is demonstrated that the geometric characteristics of the stent can have significant impact on the homogeneity of the dosing in the vessel wall.

Animals↗

Modelling of epithelial tissue impedance measured using three different designs of probe.

Impedance measurement is a promising technique for detecting pre-malignant changes in epithelial tissue. This paper considers how the design of the impedance probe affects the ability to discriminate between tissue types. To do this, finite element models of the electrical properties of squamous and glandular columnar epithelia have been used. The glandular tissue model is described here for the first time. Glandular mucosa is found in many regions of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach and intestine, and has a large effective surface area. Firstly, the electrical properties of a small section of gland, with epithelial cells and supportive tissue, are determined. These properties are then used to build up a three-dimensional model of a whole section of mucosa containing many thousands of glands. Measurements using different types of impedance probe were simulated by applying different boundary conditions to the models. Transepithelial impedance, and tetrapolar measurement with a probe placed on the tissue surface have been modelled. In the latter case, the impedance can be affected by conductive fluid, such as mucus, on the tissue surface. This effect has been investigated, and a new design of probe, which uses a guard electrode to counteract this potential source of variability, is proposed.

Electric Impedance↗

Development of an accurate three-dimensional finite element knee model.

This paper presents the development of a detailed articulating three-dimensional finite-element model of the human knee, derived from MRI scan images. The model utilises precise material models and many contact interfaces in order to produce a realistic kinematic response. The behaviour of the model was examined within two fields of biomechanical simulations: general life and car-crash. These simulations were performed with the non-linear explicit dynamic code PAM-SAFE trade mark. The knee model produced results that compared favourably with existing literature. Such a model (together with other joint models that could be constructed using the same techniques) would be a valuable tool for examining new designs of prosthesis and mechanisms of injury.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Modelled current distribution in cervical squamous tissue.

The electrical properties of cervical squamous epithelium have been modelled in the frequency range 100 Hz to 10 MHz. The hierarchical modelling process comprises a cellular level stage, which includes detailed models of cells typical of different depths within the epithelium and a tissue model, which utilizes electrical properties obtained from the cellular models. The fit between the modelled and measured impedance spectra and the distribution of current with depth depends on the macroscopic model structure. Both the properties of the basement membrane and the presence of a surface mucus layer are shown to have a significant effect. The best fit with measured data is obtained when a 10 microm thick, high-conductivity surface layer is included in the tissue model.

Algorithms↗

Resistivity changes in conductive silicone sheets under stretching.

This paper reports a preliminary finding associated with an investigation of how tissues respond to mechanical stress. The stress distribution within the tissue may be the result of normal function, for example, joint forces, or it may result from interventions such as tissue suturing during or after surgery. We sought to combine electrical and mechanical computational models in order to better understand the interaction between the two. For example, if mechanical stress is applied to tissue this may change the cell arrangements within the tissue matrix and hence change the electrical properties. If this interaction could be determined, then it should be possible to use electrical impedance tomography measurements to identify stress patterns in tissues. Measurements of resistivity changes have been made in conductive silicone rubber sheets when subject to a uniaxial stress of up to 10%. Relatively large changes in resistivity are produced (up to 200%). These changes are far larger than those predicted arising from topological changes alone. It is suggested that under stress the conductive islands of carbon within the silicone rubber sheet undergo a reversible disassociation from their neighbours and that the material's electrical properties change under load. If similar stress-resistivity relationships occur within biological materials it may be possible to recover the stress fields within tissues from transfer impedance measurements and thereby predict if actions such as inappropriate suture tension will compromise tissue viability.

Algorithms↗

Computer model analysis of the Swanson and Sutter metacarpophalangeal joint implants.

A representative model which mimics the behaviour of Silastic finger metacarpophalangeal joint implants was constructed using a finite element software package. The modelled implants were moved through a range of flexion, lateral deviation and a combination of both. Pistoning of both implants stems occurred within the modelled medullary cavities. For equivalent flexion angles, the Sutter implant produced a higher stress field than the Swanson implant, and the field was positioned at the central hinge mechanism. In both implants, lateral deviation increased the internal stress concentrations more than when pure flexion was applied. Overall the Swanson style of implant had lower stress magnitudes than the Sutter implant, and it is predicted that the Sutter implant will be more likely to fail than the Swanson. The failure mode for the Sutter implant would be at the central hinge region. The Swanson implant is likely to fail at the central hinge-stem interface regions.

Computer Simulation↗

A goniometric glove for clinical hand assessment. Construction, calibration and validation.

The construction of a goniometric glove is described. Each of the sensors in the glove was calibrated over a custom built metal hand using blocks of known angles as angular references. The digital data output from each sensor of the glove were converted into angular displacements at each joint. The glove was validated for consistency of measurement and accuracy over a custom built metal jig and in the human hand. The accuracy of the glove was found to be within the limits of traditional goniometry. It is proposed that goniometric gloves could be useful in the assessment of hand function.

Calibration↗

An inexpensive sensor for measuring surface geometry.

A technique to measure surface geometry using a conductive ink sensor is described. In the human system distorted cylinders are common, and geometry can be reconstructed from local measures of curvature. An algorithm is presented to reconstruct the shape of a surface from a series of curvature measurements. The Abrams Gentile Entertainment patented bend sensor was evaluated as a curvature transducer. The sensor was tested at the extremes of the likely measurement range, from curvatures below 0.01 mm(-1) up to a curvature of 0.1 mm(-1). The upper curvature limit proved beyond the design specification of the sensor. The technique was applied at the lower curvature range to reconstruct one quadrant of the chest of a volunteer and record breathing movement. The bend sensor is inexpensive and can be applied to obtain an approximate reconstruction of surface geometry in the human system.

Adult↗

An impact analysis of a flexible bat using an iterative solver.

Although technology has now infiltrated and prompted evolution in most mass participation sports, the advances in bat technology in such sports as baseball and cricket have been relatively minor. In this study, we used a simple finite element modelling approach to try to shed new light upon the underlying mechanics of the bat-ball impact, with a view to the future optimization of bat design. The analysis of a flexible bat showed that the point of impact that produced the maximum post-impact ball velocity was a function of the bat's vibrational properties and was not necessarily at the centre of percussion. The details of the analysis agreed well with traditional Hertzian impact theory, and broadly with empirical data. An inspection of the relative modal contributions to the deformations during impact also showed that the position of the node of the first flexure mode was important. In conclusion, considerable importance should be attached to the bat's vibrational properties in future design and analysis.

Baseball↗

Anatomical and physiological models for surgical simulation.

A considerable amount of effort has been aimed towards developing real-time deformable objects for surgical simulation, but very little work has been aimed towards including physiology within the soft tissue models. A simulator that links the structural and functional aspects of the human body would allow the user to develop a better understanding of the intrinsic link between anatomy and physiology. This positional paper discusses the challenges facing the creation of and the development of an integrated physiological and anatomical soft tissue model for use in surgical simulators. It explores the artificial dichotomy between anatomy and physiology and the issues it raises, by considering a suturing simulator capable of modelling ischaemia.

Animals↗

In-situ simulation of one-piece metacarpophalangeal joint implants using finite element analysis.

Generally, reconstruction of the rheumatoid metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is achieved by means of implantation of a hinged silastic prosthesis. Whereas these implants restore some degree of mobility to the joint, they are prone to failure after a relatively short life-span, and little is known about their dynamical behaviour within the joint. In this study, the Swanson and Sutter designs of MCP implant were examined in an idealized joint environment by means of two-dimensional finite element analysis. The purpose was to assess how the differing geometry affected their behaviour as replacement joints, and whether they were inherently prone to abrasion and high stress concentrations during flexion. The results revealed the changing points of contact between the implant and the bone ends, and clearly showed the implant stems 'pistoning' in the intramedullary canals. This was found to be an effective way to provide preliminary information on the dynamic behaviour of an implant in a simulated joint. This would facilitate further optimization of design in advance of fabrication.

Computer Simulation↗

The use of enzyme activated milk for in vitro simulation of prosthetic valve thrombosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Thrombosis remains a serious risk for patients with artificial heart valves and may be attributed in part to adverse blood flow patterns. Although the final assessment of a valve must follow years of clinical experience, in vitro flow analyses give valuable information prior to implantation. Laser Doppler velocimetry and computational fluid dynamics enable quantitative flow analyses to be made in vitro. Whilst these techniques highlight features such as areas of stasis, turbulence and high shear which may predispose to thrombus formation, the complex and time varying nature of the flow through valves makes it difficult to predict accurately potential sites of thrombus deposition and accumulation. METHODS: A technique is described which uses enzyme activated milk as a coagulable blood analogue to indicate flow related clotting. Milk flowing past a test valve or object was activated to clot downstream of the test piece after a certain time period. Milk clot was deposited clot at sites determined by the local flow disturbances. Milk clotting patterns produced on and around standard objects were compared with the transient flow patterns predicted around identical configurations to test the validity of computational flow analyses for predicting flow disturbances leading to clotting. Milk clots on valves were compared with examples of thrombus found on explanted valves of the same design. RESULTS: The sites of deposition were consistent with the predicted flow patterns around the two configurations of flow obstruction studied. Milk clotting patterns on valves corresponded with the early stages of thrombus on explanted valves of the same design. CONCLUSIONS: Whilst a coagulable milk mixture may be used to evaluate the risk of flow induced clot adherence, care must be taken when extrapolating to the clinical situation as other factors such as material properties, blood chemistry and concomitant disease must also be considered.

Animals↗

In vitro heart valve testing: steady versus pulsatile flow.

The design of artificial heart valves has traditionally been based on the development of a prototype device which was then subjected to extensive laboratory testing in order to confirm its suitability for clinical use. In the past the in vitro assessment of a valve's performance was based principally on the measurement of parameters such as pressure difference, regurgitation and, more recently, energy losses. Such measurements can be defined as being at the 'macro' level and rarely show any clinically significant differences amongst currently available prostheses. The analytical approach to flow through heart valves has previously been hampered by difficulties experienced in solving the relevant equations of flow particularly in the case of pulsatile conditions. Computational techniques are now available which enable appropriate solutions to be obtained for these problems and consequently provide an opportunity for detailed examination of the 'micro' level of flow disturbances exhibited by the different valves. This present preliminary study is designed to illustrate the use of such an analytical approach to the flow through prosthetic valves. A single topic has been selected for this purpose which is the comparative value of steady versus pulsatile flow testing. A bileaflet valve was chosen for the analysis and a mathematical model of this valve in the aortic position of the Sheffield Pulse Duplicator was created. The theoretical analysis was carried out using a commercially available Computational Fluid Dynamics package, namely, FIDAP, on a SUN MICROSYSTEMS 10-30 workstation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blood Flow Velocity↗