A platform for high-fidelity patient-specific structural modelling of atherosclerotic arteries: from intravascular imaging to three-dimensional stress distributions

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (182) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karim Kadry ◽  
Max L. Olender ◽  
David Marlevi ◽  
Elazer R. Edelman ◽  
Farhad R. Nezami
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Response ◽  
Plaque Rupture ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Material Model ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Plaque Morphology ◽  
High Fidelity ◽  
Structural Behaviour ◽  
Heterogeneous Models

The pathophysiology of atherosclerotic lesions, including plaque rupture triggered by mechanical failure of the vessel wall, depends directly on the plaque morphology-modulated mechanical response. The complex interplay between lesion morphology and structural behaviour can be studied with high-fidelity computational modelling. However, construction of three-dimensional (3D) and heterogeneous models is challenging, with most previous work focusing on two-dimensional geometries or on single-material lesion compositions. Addressing these limitations, we here present a semi-automatic computational platform, leveraging clinical optical coherence tomography images to effectively reconstruct a 3D patient-specific multi-material model of atherosclerotic plaques, for which the mechanical response is obtained by structural finite-element simulations. To demonstrate the importance of including multi-material plaque components when recovering the mechanical response, a computational case study was conducted in which systematic variation of the intraplaque lipid and calcium was performed. The study demonstrated that the inclusion of various tissue components greatly affected the lesion mechanical response, illustrating the importance of multi-material formulations. This platform accordingly provides a viable foundation for studying how plaque micro-morphology affects plaque mechanical response, allowing for patient-specific assessments and extension into clinically relevant patient cohorts.

A Proof of Concept Study of the Mechanical Behavior of Lattice Structures Used to Design a Shoulder Hemi-Prosthesis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marinela Peto ◽  
Oscar Aguilar-Rosas ◽  
Erick Erick Ramirez-Cedillo ◽  
Moises Jimenez ◽  
Adriana Hernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Behavior ◽  
Mechanical Response ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Cell Attachment ◽  
Lattice Structure ◽  
Material Model ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Hexagonal Prism ◽  
Lattice Structures ◽  
Proof Of Concept

Abstract Lattice structures offer great benefits when employed in medical implants for cell attachment and growth (osseointegration), minimization of stress shielding phenomena, and weight reduction. This study is focused on a proof of concept for developing a generic shoulder hemi-prosthesis, from a patient-specific case of a 46 years old male with a tumor on the upper part of his humerus. A personalized biomodel was designed and a lattice structure was integrated in its middle portion, to lighten weight without affecting humerus’ mechanical response. To select the most appropriate lattice structure, three different configurations were initially tested: Tetrahedral Vertex Centroid (TVC), Hexagonal Prism Vertex Centroid (HPVC), and Cubic Diamond (CD). They were fabricated in resin by digital light processing and its mechanical behavior was studied via compression testing and finite element modeling (FEM). The selected structure according to the results was the HPVC, which was integrated in a digital twin of the biomodel to validate its mechanical performance through FEM but substituting the bone material model with a biocompatible titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) suitable for prostheses fabrication. Results of the simulation showed acceptable levels of Von Mises stresses (325 MPa max.), below the elastic limit of the titanium alloys, and a better response (52 MPa max.) in a model with equivalent elastic properties, with stress performance in the same order of magnitude than the showed in bone’s material model.

scholarly journals Development of a Collagen Fibre Remodelling Rupture Risk Metric for Potentially Vulnerable Carotid Artery Atherosclerotic Plaques

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milad Ghasemi ◽  
Robert D. Johnston ◽  
Caitríona Lally
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Atherosclerotic Plaque ◽  
Mechanical Response ◽  
Plaque Rupture ◽  
Collagen Fibre ◽  
Local Stress ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Collagen Fibres ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Risk Metric

Atherosclerotic plaque rupture in carotid arteries can lead to stroke which is one of the leading causes of death or disability worldwide. The accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque in an artery changes the mechanical properties of the vessel. Whilst healthy arteries can continuously adapt to mechanical loads by remodelling their internal structure, particularly the load-bearing collagen fibres, diseased vessels may have limited remodelling capabilities. In this study, a local stress modulated remodelling algorithm is proposed to explore the mechanical response of arterial tissue to the remodelling of collagen fibres. This stress driven remodelling algorithm is used to predict the optimum distribution of fibres in healthy and diseased human carotid bifurcations obtained using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In the models, healthy geometries were segmented into two layers: media and adventitia and diseased into four components: adventitia, media, plaque atheroma and lipid pool (when present in the MRI images). A novel meshing technique for hexahedral meshing of these geometries is also demonstrated. Using the remodelling algorithm, the optimum fibre patterns in various patient specific plaques are identified and the role that deviations from these fibre configurations in plaque vulnerability is shown. This study provides critical insights into the collagen fibre patterns required in carotid artery and plaque tissue to maintain plaque stability.

Modeling three-dimensional-printed trabecular metal structures with a homogenization approach: Application to hemipelvis reconstruction

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (10) ◽  
pp. 575-585
Author(s):  
Luigi La Barbera ◽  
Milena Trabace ◽  
Giancarlo Pennati ◽  
José Félix Rodríguez Matas
Keyword(s):  
Asymptotic Expansion ◽  
Mechanical Response ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Real Patient ◽  
Three Dimensional Printing ◽  
Homogenization Approach ◽  
Dimensional Printing

The application of three-dimensional printing technologies to metal materials allows us to design innovative, low-weight, patient-specific implants for orthopedic prosthesis. This is particularly true when the reconstruction of extensive metastatic bone defect is planned. Modeling complex three-dimensional-printed highly repetitive trabecular-like structures based on finite elements is computationally demanding, while homogenization algorithms offer the advantage of reduced simulation cost and time, allowing an effective evaluation of new personalized design suitable for clinical needs. This article describes and discusses the implementation of a reliable method for the multiscale modeling of trabecular structures by means of asymptotic expansion homogenization. Following the material characterization of the Ti6Al4V alloy obtained by electron beam melting technology, the asymptotic expansion homogenization was applied to two alternative low-density cell-unit designs. Model predictions demonstrated satisfactory agreement with compressive experimental tests and cantilever bending tests performed on both designs (differences lower than 5.5%). The method was extended to a real patient-specific hemipelvis reconstruction, exploiting the capability of the asymptotic expansion homogenization approach in quantitatively describing the effect of cell-unit designs and three-dimensional-printing stack direction (i.e. cell-unit orientation) both on the overall mechanical response of the implant and on the stress distribution. The hemipelvis implant filled with the higher density cell unit demonstrated to be 14% stiffer than using the lower density one, while changing the cell-unit orientation affected the stiffness up to 10%. The maximum stress values reached at the anchors were affected in a minor extent by the investigated design parameters.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a modified Cheatham-Platinum stent for the treatment of aortic coarctation by finite element modelling

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 204800401877395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara EU Burkhardt ◽  
Nicholas Byrne ◽  
Marí Nieves Velasco Forte ◽  
Francesco Iannaccone ◽  
Matthieu De Beule ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Aortic Coarctation ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Stent Design ◽  
Initial Length ◽  
Element Analysis

Objectives Stent implantation for the treatment of aortic coarctation has become a standard approach for the management of older children and adults. Criteria for optimal stent design and construction remain undefined. This study used computational modelling to compare the performance of two generations of the Cheatham-Platinum stent (NuMED, Hopkinton, NY, USA) deployed in aortic coarctation using finite element analysis. Design Three-dimensional models of both stents, reverse engineered from microCT scans, were implanted in the aortic model of one representative patient. They were virtually expanded in the vessel with a 16 mm balloon and a pressure of 2 atm. Results The conventional stent foreshortened to 96.5% of its initial length, whereas the new stent to 99.2% of its initial length. Diameters in 15 slices across the conventional stent were 11.6–15 mm (median 14.2 mm) and slightly higher across the new stent: 10.7–15.3 mm (median 14.5 mm) (p= 0.021). Apposition to the vessel wall was similar: conventional stent 31.1% and new stent 28.6% of total stent area. Conclusions The new design Cheatham-Platinum stent showed similar deployment results compared to the conventional design. The new stent design showed slightly higher expansion, using the same delivery balloon. Patient-specific computational models can be used for virtual implantation of new aortic stents and promise to inform subsequent in vivo trials.

Use of three-dimensional digital image correlation to evaluate mechanical response of prosthetic systems

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-105
Author(s):  
Michelin Alvarez-Camacho ◽  
Victor Alvarez-Guevara ◽  
Carlos Galvan Duque Gastelum ◽  
Daniel Flores Vazquez ◽  
Gerardo Rodriguez-Reyes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Digital Image Correlation ◽  
Digital Image ◽  
Mechanical Response ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Technical Note ◽  
Image Correlation ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Real Patient ◽  
Full Field ◽  
Measurement Protocol

Background and aim:The need of comfortable and safe prosthetic systems is an important challenge for both prosthetists and engineers. The aim of this technical note is to demonstrate the use of three-dimensional digital image correlation to evaluate mechanical response of two prosthetic systems under real patient dynamic loads.Technique:This note describes the use of three-dimensional digital image correlation method to obtain full-field strain and displacement measurements on the surface of two lower limb prostheses for Chopart amputation. It outlines key points of the measurement protocol and illustrates the analysis of critical regions using data obtained on specific points of interest.Discussion:The results show that the use of three-dimensional digital image correlation can be a tool for the prosthetist to optimize the prosthesis considering features related to the material and design, in order to bear with real patient-specific load conditions.Clinical relevanceThree-dimensional digital image correlation can support decision-making on new designs and materials for prosthetics based on quantitative data. Better understanding of mechanical response could also assist prescription for appropriate prosthetic systems.

scholarly journals Numerical Simulations of Components Produced by Fused Deposition 3D Printing

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (16) ◽  
pp. 4625
Author(s):  
Martina Scapin ◽  
Lorenzo Peroni
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Fused Deposition Modeling ◽  
Mechanical Response ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Transversely Isotropic ◽  
Material Model ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Fused Deposition ◽  
Four Point Bending ◽  
Dog Bone

Three-dimensional printing technology using fused deposition modeling processes is becoming more and more widespread thanks to the improvements in the mechanical properties of materials with the addition of short fibers into the polymeric filaments. The final mechanical properties of the printed components depend, not only on the properties of the filament, but also on several printing parameters. The main purpose of this study was the development of a tool for designers to predict the real mechanical properties of printed components by performing finite element analyses. Two different materials (nylon reinforced with glass or carbon fibers) were investigated. The experimental identification of the elastic material model parameters was performed by testing printed fully filled dog bone specimens in two different directions. The obtained parameters were used in numerical analyses to predict the mechanical response of simple structures. Blocks of 20 mm × 20 mm × 160 mm were printed in four different percentages of a triangular infill pattern. Experimental and numerical four-point bending tests were performed, and the results were compared in terms of load versus curvature. The analysis of the results demonstrated that the purely elastic transversely isotropic material model is adequate for predicting behavior, at least before nonlinearities occur.

Construction of plastic contact deformation maps on ceramics: a case study on aluminum nitride

1996 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 636-637
Author(s):  
D. L. Callahan
Keyword(s):  
Plastic Deformation ◽  
Aluminum Nitride ◽  
Mechanical Response ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Bright Field Image ◽  
Perfectly Plastic ◽  
Contrast Analysis ◽  
Deformation Patterns

Modern polishing, precision machining and microindentation techniques allow the processing and mechanical characterization of ceramics at nanometric scales and within entirely plastic deformation regimes. The mechanical response of most ceramics to such highly constrained contact is not predictable from macroscopic properties and the microstructural deformation patterns have proven difficult to characterize by the application of any individual technique. In this study, TEM techniques of contrast analysis and CBED are combined with stereographic analysis to construct a three-dimensional microstructure deformation map of the surface of a perfectly plastic microindentation on macroscopically brittle aluminum nitride.The bright field image in Figure 1 shows a lg Vickers microindentation contained within a single AlN grain far from any boundaries. High densities of dislocations are evident, particularly near facet edges but are not individually resolvable. The prominent bend contours also indicate the severity of plastic deformation. Figure 2 is a selected area diffraction pattern covering the entire indentation area.

scholarly journals Numerical computation of blood flow for a patient-specific hemodialysis shunt model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surabhi Rathore ◽  
Tomoki Uda ◽  
Viet Q. H. Huynh ◽  
Hiroshi Suito ◽  
Toshitaka Watanabe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Arteriovenous Shunt ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Stabilized Finite Element ◽  
Computed Tomography Scanning ◽  
Outflow Boundary ◽  
Stage Renal Disease ◽  
End Stage

AbstractHemodialysis procedure is usually advisable for end-stage renal disease patients. This study is aimed at computational investigation of hemodynamical characteristics in three-dimensional arteriovenous shunt for hemodialysis, for which computed tomography scanning and phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging are used. Several hemodynamical characteristics are presented and discussed depending on the patient-specific morphology and flow conditions including regurgitating flow from the distal artery caused by the construction of the arteriovenous shunt. A simple backflow prevention technique at an outflow boundary is presented, with stabilized finite element approaches for incompressible Navier–Stokes equations.

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