Patient specific mimicing CAD models of biliary tract with and without gallstone for CFD analysis of bile dynamics

Abstract

The biliary tract is the path through which bile is transported from liver to the duodenum. `Cholestasis' is a condition where biliary obstruction occurs due to gallstone. Bile flow in the human biliary tract plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of biliary diseases. The burden of gallbladder disease has become epidemic worldwide in recent years. This study forms a part of a project to understand the functions of the biliary system, and to provide insight into the pathogenesis of gallstone formation and biliary obstruction. The aim of this study was to create patient specific computer aided design (CAD) model of biliary tract with and without gallstones. A standard magnetic resonance image (MRI) of an abdomen of an Indian male patient, aged 45 years was obtained. The image was analyzed using a Materialise's interactive medical image control system (MIMICS) software. The patient's specific 3D model of biliary tract was created using the software. Geometries of different regions of the biliary tract were measured with good accuracy. Later the CAD models of the biliary tract with and without gallstone were created using CATIA software. This CAD model can be used for analyzing the fluid dynamics of bile flow in the biliary tract under normal and cholestasis conditions. This information is valuable to the surgeon, who can plan a surgical treatment in a successful way.