title: Validation of finite element models of liver tissue using micro-CT.
abstract: In this work, we aim at validating some soft tissue deformation models using high-resolution micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) images. The imaging technique plays a key role in detecting the tissue deformation details in the contact region between the tissue and the surgical tool (probe) for small force loads and provides good capabilities of creating accurate 3-D models of soft tissues. Surgical simulations rely on accurate representation of the mechanical response of soft tissues subjected to surgical manipulations. Several finite-element models have been suggested to characterize soft tissues. However, validating these models for specific tissues still remain a challenge. In this study, ex vivo lamb liver tissue is chosen to validate the linear elastic model (LEM), the linear viscoelastic model (LVEM), and the neo-Hooke hyperelastic model (NHM). We find that the LEM is more applicable to lamb liver than the LVEM for smaller force loads (< 20 g) and that the NHM is closer to reality than the LVEM for the range of force loads from 5 to 40 g.
authors.affiliation: Computer Vision and Image Processing Laboratory, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA. hshi@cvip.louisville.edu
authors.forename: Hongjian
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shi
authors.forename: Aly A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Farag
authors.forename: Rachid
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fahmi
authors.forename: Dongqing
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004548:Elasticity; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006244:Hardness; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*