An Anthropometric-Based Subject-Specific Finite Element Model of the Human Breast for Predicting Large Deformations

Abstract

The large deformation of the human breast threatens proper nodules tracking when the subject mammograms are used as pre-planning data for biopsy. However, techniques capable of accurately supporting the surgeons during biopsy are missing. Finite element (FE) models are at the basis of currently investigated methodologies to track nodules displacement. Nonetheless, the impact of breast material modeling on the mechanical response of its tissues (e.g., tumors) is not clear. This study proposes a subject-specific FE model of the breast, obtained by anthropometric measurements, to predict breast large deformation. A healthy breast subject-specific FE parametric model was developed and validated by Cranio-caudal (CC) and Medio-Lateral Oblique (MLO) mammograms. The model was successively modified, including nodules, and utilized to investigate the effect of nodules size, typology, and material modeling on nodules shift under the effect of CC, MLO, and gravity loads. Results show that a Mooney–Rivlin material model can estimate healthy breast large deformation. For a pathological breast, under CC compression, the nodules displacement is very close to zero when a linear elastic material model is used. Finally, when nodules are modeled, including tumor material properties, under CC, or MLO or gravity loads, nodules shift shows ~15% average relative difference.

Finite element model of mechanical imaging of the breast

“… 40 , 41 Other reported works have instead used a finite element model to approximate the shape of the deformed breast to use in x-ray simulations, 14 , 18 , 20 , 25 , 29 , 33 or for tracking the deformation of the breast or its internal structures. 15 – 17 …”

“… 14 , 15 Breasts containing lesions have also been modeled, using both linear and hyperelastic material models to model breast tissue 16 (and were validated by comparing the contour of mammograms with the corresponding deformed contour of the FE model). 17 Others have used computed tomography (CT) images to develop the FE model of the breast. 18 Also using CT to model the breast anatomy, Kellner et al.…”

Finite element analysis of long-term changes of the breast after augmentation mammoplasty: Implications for implant design

“…Generally, compared with implants, breast tissue is much softer and more stretchable, like a rubber material. Thus, the constitutive equations for the breast and implant were derived based on the Mooney-Rivlin [4] model and elasticity model [5], respectively.…”

Using Breast Tissue Information and Subject-Specific Finite-Element Models to Optimize Breast Compression Parameters for Digital Mammography

“…Thanoon et al [9] applied the neo-Hookean model to simulate breast deformation after breast preservation therapy. Pianigiani et al [10] inserted several nodules into the breast model to predict a large deformation of breast tissue. Lapuebla-Ferri et al [11] produced virtual mammograms and tracked breast lesions across different views.…”