Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Models, Anatomic”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,063 records · Page 59Linked to original sources

Mutual enhancements of CFD modeling and experimental data: a case study of 1-mum particle deposition in a branching airway model.

In order to better understand aerosol dynamics and deposition in the complex flow field of the respiratory tract, both in vitro experiments and numerical modeling techniques have widely been employed. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling offers the flexibility of easily modifying system parameters such as flow rates, particle sizes, system geometry, and heterogeneous outlet conditions. However, a number of numerical errors and artifacts can lead to nonphysical CFD results. Experimental methods offer the advantage of physical realism; however, parameter variation is often difficult. The objective of this study is to illustrate the use of CFD to enhance the understanding of experimental results. In parallel, the selected experimental results have been used to partially validate the CFD predictions. A specific case study has been considered focusing on 1-mum particle depositions in a physiologically realistic bifurcation (PRB) model of respiratory generations 3-5. Previous experiments in this system report a deposition rate of approximately 0.01%. An in-depth CFD analysis has been employed to evaluate two cases of the empirical model. The first case consists of only the PRB double bifurcation geometry. The second case includes a portion of the experimental particle delivery system, which may influence the entering velocity and particle profiles. To assess the influence of upstream transition and turbulence, each of the two cases considered has been evaluated using laminar and low Reynolds number k-omega approximations. Results indicate that both upstream flow effects and turbulent or transitional flow play a significant role in determining the deposition of 1-mum particles in the model considered. Simulating upstream flow effects and laminar flow was required to match the empirically reported deposition fraction and provided a two orders of magnitude improvement over initial CFD estimates. This study highlights the need to consider the effects of experimental particle generation systems on velocity and particle profiles entering respiratory models. Future work is necessary to investigate the mechanisms responsible for the experimentally observed local deposition patterns.

Aerosols↗

Airflow distribution in the human lung and its influence on particle deposition.

Realistic descriptions of lung geometry and physiology are the primary determinants of accurate predictions of inhaled particle deposition and distribution in the human lung. While there have been considerable efforts devoted to geometry reconstruction, little attention has been given to lung ventilation as applied to particle deposition applications. Models of lung ventilation based on pressure differential between extrathoracic airways and the pleural cavity were developed and used to calculate lobar and regional deposition of particles in the human lung. Local airflow in the lung varied in accordance with regional physiological properties. Calculations showed that airflow rate entering each lobe was different for compliant and noncompliant lung models and similar for uniform and nonuniform lung expansions. Regional particle deposition predictions were almost identical between the two compliance models. However, differences in lobar depositions were observed. The coupled lung ventilation and deposition models can be used in site-specific deposition predictions of inhaled particles in the human lungs.

Aerosols↗

Application of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the development and validation of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) models of the rat respiratory system.

Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) models of the respiratory system provide a quantitative basis for extrapolating the localized dose of inhaled materials and improving human health risk assessments based upon inhalation studies conducted in animals. Nevertheless, model development and validation have historically been tedious and time-consuming tasks. In recognition of this, we previously reported on the use of proton (1H) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for visualizing nasal-sinus passages in the rat, and for speeding computational mesh generation. Here, the generation and refinement of meshes for rat nasal airways are described in more detail and simulated airflows are presented. To extend the CFD models to the complete respiratory tract, three-dimensional (3D) 1H MR imaging of rat pulmonary casts was also utilized to construct pulmonary airway meshes using procedures developed for the nasal airways. Furthermore, the feasibility of validating CFD predictions with MR was tested by imaging hyperpolarized 3He gas at physiological flow rates in a straight pipe with a diameter comparable to the rat trachea. Results from these diverse studies highlight the potential utility of MR imaging not only for speeding CFD development but also possibly for model validation.

Animals↗

Dynamics of oropharyngeal aerosol transport and deposition with the realistic flow pattern.

Aerosol flow and deposition in the model of human oropharynx was studied theoretically and experimentally for two realistic inspiratory patterns. The three-dimensional (3D) airflow structure in the sample geometry was solved with the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code (Fluent), used to calculate dynamic distribution of particle deposition (0.3-10 mum). Experiments were done for the same flow conditions using the silicone-rubber cast with the matching geometry. Nonsteady breathing flows were reproduced with the computer-controlled artificial lung apparatus. Results of computations show that particles smaller than 3 mum easily pass the oropharynx during inspiration, while particles with a size close to 10 mum are substantially deposited, preferentially in the region of the naso-pharyngeal bend. For particles in the submicrometer size range, the spatial and temporal deposition pattern is more complicated, and strongly depends on breathing dynamics. The experiments confirmed that the mass median diameter (MMD) of the aerosol that penetrates the oropharynx and flows to the tracheobronchial tree is reduced. Measured total mass efficiency of deposition of the tested aerosol was in the range of 35-60%, depending on the breathing pattern. These findings are consistent with the CFD results. The methods and the preliminary results enable a more realistic analysis of dynamic effects during the flow of inhaled particles through the complex geometry of the oropharynx. Such analysis is needed for estimation of toxic potential of aerosols, related to their local deposition in different parts of the respiratory tract.

Adult↗

Challenges in validating CFD-derived inhaled aerosol deposition predictions.

Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) techniques have provided unprecedented opportunity for investigating inhaled particle deposition in realistic human airway geometries. Several recent articles describing local aerosol deposition predictions based upon "validated" CFD models have highlighted the challenges in validating local aerosol deposition predictions. These challenges include: (1) defining what is meant by validation; (2) defining appropriate experimental data for validation; and (3) determining when the agreement is not fortuitous. The term validation has numerous meanings, depending on the field and context in which it is used. For example, in computer programming it means the code executes as intended, to the experimentalist it means predicted results agree with matched experimental measurements, and to the risk assessor it implies that predictions using new parameters can be trusted. Based on the current literature it is not clear that a consensus exists for what constitutes a validated CFD model. It is also not clear what types of experimental data are needed or how closely the CFD input values and experimental conditions should be matched (similar or identical airway geometries, entrance airflow, or aerosol profiles) to validate CFD derived predictions. Due to the complexity of CFD computer codes and the multiplicity of deposition mechanisms, it is possible that total aerosol deposition may be accurately predicted and the resulting local particle deposition patterns are incorrect, or vice versa. Specific examples and suggestions for several challenges to experimentalists and modelers are presented.

Aerosols↗

The effect of morphological variability on surface deposition densities of inhaled particles in human bronchial and acinar airways.

Deposition fractions in human airway generations were computed with a stochastic deposition model, which is based on a randomly, asymmetrically dividing lung morphology, applying Monte Carlo techniques. Corresponding uncorrelated surface deposition densities were obtained by dividing the average deposition fraction in a given generation by the average total surface area of that generation. In order to consider the statistical correlation between deposition probability and linear airway dimensions in each airway, correlated surface deposition densities were calculated by dividing the deposition fraction in a randomly selected bronchial or acinar airway by the surface area of that airway and by the total number of bronchial or acinar airways in that generation. Average surface deposition densities are relatively constant throughout bronchial airway generations, while average acinar surface deposition densities exhibit a distinct decrease with rising penetration into the acinar region. Due to the correlation between deposition fraction and surface area in a given airway generation, average correlated surface deposition densities are consistently higher than average uncorrelated densities, particularly in the acinar region, where differences can be as high as a few orders of magnitude. Already significant statistical fluctuations of the deposition fractions in individual airway generations are even exacerbated for surface deposition densities, with coefficients of variation about twice as high as for correlated deposition fractions.

Aerosols↗

A biomechanical model of the upper airways for simulating laryngoscopy.

This paper describes a three-dimensional finite element model of the human upper airways during rigid laryngoscopy. In this procedure, an anaesthetist uses a rigid blade to displace and compress the tongue of the patient, and then inserts a tube into the larynx to allow controlled ventilation of the lungs during an operation. A realistic model of the main biomechanical aspects involved would help anaesthetists in training and in predicting difficult cases in advance. For this purpose, the finite element method was used to model structures such as the tongue, ligaments, larynx, vocal cords, bony landmarks, laryngoscope blade, and their inter-relationships, based on data extracted from X-ray, MRI, and photographic records. The model has been used to investigate how the tongue tissue behaves in response to the insertion of the laryngoscope blade, when it is subjected to a variety of loading conditions. In particular, the mechanical behaviour of the soft tissue of the tongue was simulated, from simple linear elastic material to complex non-linear viscoelastic material. The results show that, within a specific set of tongue material parameters, the simulated outcome can be successfully related to the view of the vocal cords achieved during real laryngoscopies on normal subjects, and on artificially induced difficult laryngoscopy, created by extending the upper incisors teeth experimentally.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

A 2D finite element model of the interventricular septum under normal and abnormal loading.

The interventricular septum is the structure that separates the left and right ventricles of the heart. Under normal loading conditions, it is concave to the left ventricle, but under abnormal loading the septum flattens and occasionally inverts. In the past, the septum has frequently been modelled as integral to the left ventricle with the effects of pressure from the right ventricle being ignored. Under abnormal loading, the septum has been described as behaving equivalent to a "flapping sail". There has been no consideration of structural behaviour under these conditions. A 2-D plane stress FE model of the septum was used to investigate the difference in structural behaviour of the septum during diastole between normal and abnormal loading. The biaxial stress patterns that develop are distinctively disparate. Under normal loading, the septum behaves much like a thick-walled cylinder subject to internal and external pressure, with the resulting stresses being circumferential tension and radial compression, both varying with radius. These stresses are very low throughout most of diastole. However, under abnormal loading, the septum behaves in an arch-like fashion, with high compressive stresses almost circumferential in direction, combined with radial compression. We conclude that right ventricular pressures cause bending effects in the wall of the heart, and that under abnormal loading, the compressive stresses that develop in the septum may lead to an understanding of certain, previously unexplained, pathological conditions.

Compressive Strength↗

A human model for road safety: from geometrical acquisition to model validation with radioss.

In order to investigate injury mechanisms, and to provide directions for road safety system improvements, the HUMOS project has lead to the development of a 3D finite element model of the human body in driving position. The model geometry was obtained from a 50th percentile adult male. It includes the description of all compact and trabecular bones, ligaments, tendons, skin, muscles and internal organs. Material properties were based on literature data and specific experiments performed for the project. The validation of the HUMOS model was first achieved on isolated segments and then on the whole model in both frontal and lateral impact situations. HUMOS responses were in good agreement with the experimental data used in the model validation and offers now a wide range of applications from crash simulation, optimization of safety systems, to biomedical and ergonomics.

Abdomen↗

Shape adaptation of long bone structures using a contour based approach.

In this work, an approach for mechanically driven shape adaptation of long bone structures is presented which utilizes contour descriptions to track morphological changes at different bone cross sections. A script-based procedure is used to iteratively generate a solid geometry and finite element (FE) model from these contours, perform a stress analysis, and then update the contour shapes using the results of the stress analysis using a prescribed remodeling rule. Because a remeshing operation is performed at each timestep the method is able to effectively simulate large changes in geometry. Several examples of shape adaptation of idealized and geometrically accurate long-bone structures are presented using a variety of remodeling signals and parameters.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Using the finite element method to model the biomechanics of the asymmetric mandible before, during and after skeletal correction by distraction osteogenesis.

An approach was developed to evaluate the load transfer mechanism in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area before, during and after mandibular ramus elongation by distraction osteogenesis (DO). In a concerted approach using computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and finite element analysis, three-dimensional numerical models based on a young male patient, with a dento-facial deformity were generated. The magnitude and direction of the muscle forces acting on the mandible were assessed using both values derived from the muscles volume and cross-section as retrieved from the MRI-scan data-sets and taken from the literature. The resistance of the soft tissue envelope towards elongation during the DO-phase was also included. The finite element analyses showed that before skeletal correction by DO the load transfer was asymmetrical with high peak stresses in the affected joint. Following ramus elongation a more symmetrical loading in TMJs was predicted. The reaction forces in the TMJs during DO were low.

Arthritis, Juvenile↗

An image-based computational model of oscillatory flow in the proximal part of tracheobronchial trees.

A computational model of an oscillatory laminar flow of an incompressible Newtonian fluid has been carried out in the proximal part of human tracheobronchial trees, either normal or with a strongly stenosed right main bronchus. After acquisition with a multislice spiral CT, the thoracic images are processed to reconstruct the geometry of the trachea and the first six bronchus generations and to virtually travel inside this duct network. The facetisation associated with the 3D reconstruction of the tracheobronchial tree is improved to get a computation-adapted surface triangulation, which leads to a volumic mesh composed of tetrahedra. The Navier-Stokes equations associated with the classical boundary conditions and different values of the flow dimensionless parameters are solved using the finite element method. The airways are supposed to be rigid during rest breathing. The flow distribution among the set of bronchi is determined during the respiratory cycle. Cycle reproducibility and mesh size effects on the numerical results are examined. Helpful qualitative data are provided rather than accurate quantitative results in the context of multimodelling, from image processing to numerical simulations.

Bronchi↗

Computer system for definition of the quantitative geometry of musculature from CT images.

The computer system for quantitative determination of musculoskeletal geometry from computer tomography (CT) images has been developed. The computer system processes series of CT images to obtain three-dimensional (3D) model of bony structures where the effective muscle fibres can be interactively defined. Presented computer system has flexible modular structure and is suitable also for educational purposes.

Arthrography↗

Airflow modeling of steady inspiration in two realistic proximal airway trees reconstructed from human thoracic tomodensitometric images.

Detailed description of the flow field in human airways is highly important to better understand human breathing and provide a patient's customized diagnosis. An integrated numerical simulation platform is presently proposed in order to incorporate medical images into a numerical software to calculate flow field and to analyze it in terms of fluid dynamics. The platform was set up to compute steady inspiratory airflow in realistic human airways reconstructed from tomodensitometric medical images at resting breathing conditions. This morpho-functional simulation platform has been tested retrospectively with two CT-scanned patient airway morphological models: (i) a normal airway model (subject A) with no evidence of morphological alteration and (ii) a highly altered airway model (subject B) exhibiting a severe stenosis in the right main bronchus. First, various morphological aspects proper to each airway model are provided to show the performance and interest of the reconstruction method. Second, we describe the three-dimensional flow patterns associated to the global morphological features, which are mainly shared by the present realistic models and previous idealistic airway models. Finally, the flow characteristics associated to local morphological features specific to realistic airway models are discussed. The results demonstrate that the morpho-functional simulation platform is able to capture the main features of airway velocity patterns but also more specific airflow patterns which are related to customized patient morphological features such as laminar vortex formation. The present results suggest that the proposed airway functional imaging platform is adequate to provide most of functional information related to airflow and enable a patient to patient diagnosis.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Development and validation of a generic 3D model of the distal femur.

The development and validation of a virtual generic 3D model of the distal femur using computer graphical methods is presented. The synthesis of the generic model requires the following steps: acquisition of bony 3D morphology using standard computed tomography (CT) imaging; alignment of 3D models reconstructed from CT images with a common coordinate system; computer graphical sectioning of the models; extraction of bone contours from the image sections; combining and averaging of extracted contours; and 3D reconstruction of the averaged contours. The generic models reconstructed from the averaged contours of six cadaver femora were validated by comparing their surface geometry on a point to point basis with that of the CT reconstructed reference models. The mean errors ranged from 0.99 to 2.5 mm and were in agreement with the qualitative assessment of the models.

Aged↗

Character analysis in morphological phylogenetics: problems and solutions.

Many aspects of morphological phylogenetics are controversial in the theoretical systematics literature and yet are often poorly explained and justified in empirical studies. In this paper, I argue that most morphological characters describe variation that is fundamentally quantitative, regardless of whether they are coded qualitatively or quantitatively by systematists. Given this view, three fundamental problems in morphological character analysis (definition, delimitation, and ordering of character states) may have a common solution: coding morphological characters as continuous quantitative traits. A new parsimony method (step-matrix gap-weighting, a modification of Thiele's approach) is proposed that allows quantitative traits to be analyzed as continuous variables. The problem of scaling or weighting quantitative characters relative to qualitative characters (and to each other) is reviewed, and three possible solutions are described. The new coding method is applied to data from hoplocercid lizards, and the results show the sensitivity of phylogenetic conclusions to different scaling methods. Although some authors reject the use of continuous, overlapping, quantitative characters in phylogenetic analysis, quantitative data from hoplocercid lizards that are coded using the new approach contain significant phylogenetic structure and exhibit levels of homoplasy similar to those seen in data that are coded qualitatively.

Animals↗

Electric field prediction for a human body-electric machine system.

A system consisting of an electric machine and a human body is studied and the resulting electric field is predicted. A 3-phase induction machine operating at full load is modeled considering its geometry, windings, and materials. A human model is also constructed approximating its geometry and the electric properties of tissues. Using the finite element technique the electric field distribution in the human body is determined for a distance of 1 and 5 m from the machine and its effects are studied. Particularly, electric field potential variations are determined at specific points inside the human body and for these points the electric field intensity is computed and compared to the limit values for exposure according to international standards.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗