Imaged based 3D solid model construction of human arteries for blood flow simulations

Abstract

In recent years, the finite element method has been used increasingly by researchers seeking to understand the mechanics of blood flow in the human vascular system. Researchers have made use of averaged, idealized, and patient-specific geometric models of blood vessels as a basis for their numerical simulations. However, in order to determine the exact flow conditions in a given individual's vascular system for clinical diagnoses or surgical planning, models which faithfully represent individual anatomic features and flow conditions are necessary. The creation of such patient-specific models is both error-prone and time consuming. In this paper an interactive software system is described which facilitates the creation of complex 3D patient-specific solid models of vessels for numerical blood flow simulations with Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Engineering (CAD/CAE) technologies.