Construction of physics-based atlas and its application in brain deformation analysis

Abstract

Physics-based modeling provides a powerful tool for investigating the biomechanics of soft tissue deformation incorporated with knowledge of mechanical properties using appropriate boundary conditions. We have developed a physics-based atlas model with detailed anatomical information based on Cerefy Brain Atlas. A nonlinear hyper-viscoelastic mechanical property typically suited for neurosurgery simulation has been incorporated. This model accounts well for brain tissue deformation during neurosurgical procedures (strain rate between 0.001s-1 - 1.0s-1). It is able to simulate the deformation for the entire brain and individual sub-cortical structures as well. The limiting stress relaxation for an infinitesimally small loading has also been obtained (shear modulus reaching 194.62 Pa) exhibiting similarity with a hydrocephalic condition. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd.