Covering population variability: Morphing of computation anatomical models

Abstract

We present a method to change the volume of organs or tissues in computational anatomical models by simulating the human body as a biomechanical solid with initial strains causing local volume shrinkage or expansion. The non-linear hyperelastic material behavior is solved with the finite element method. The bone positions are prescribed and treated as rigid bodies surrounded by elastic soft tissue. A multidomain mesh defines individual bones and at least one soft tissue region. Each region can have different material properties, volume growth rates or mesh settings. The method can be used to deform complex anatomical models, such as the Virtual Population models. The proposed strategy has been used to parametrize models by different BMI levels, change the volume of selected organs, and modify the posture of anatomical models.