Virtual image correlation of magnetic resonance images for 3D geometric modelling of pelvic organs

Abstract

Numerical simulation of pelvic system could lead to a better understanding of common pathology through objective and reliable analyses of pelvic mobility according to mechanical principles. In clinical context, patient‐specific simulation has the potential for a proper patient‐personalised cure. For this purpose, a simulable 3D geometrical model, well suited to patient anatomy, is required. However, the geometric modelling of pelvic system from medical images (MRI) is a complex operator‐dependent and time‐consuming process, not adapted to patient‐specific applications. This paper is addressing this challenging computational problem. The objective is to develop a technique, providing a smooth, consistent, and readily usable 3D geometrical model, seamlessly from image to simulation. In this paper, we use a generic topologically‐simplified B‐Spline model to represent pelvic organs. The presented paper develops a Virtual Image Correlation method to find the best correlation between the geometry and the image. The final reconstructed geometrical model is to be compatible with meshing and finite element simulation. Then, a variety of tests are performed to prove the concept, through both prototypical and pelvic models. Finally, since the pelvic system is complex, including structures hardly identifiable in MRI, some feasible solutions to introduce more complex pelvic models are also discussed.

Three‐dimensional physics‐based registration of pelvic system using 2D dynamic magnetic resonance imaging slices

“…We assume that the material is homogeneous. Based on the semi‐automatic detection on MRI, a FE model is generated thanks to shell elements for the organs (vagina, bladder and rectum) and pelvic floor . Ligaments are also considered with truss elements to mimic the sustainable structures, as they play a key role in the organ's mobility …”

“…Results were reported with respect to pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POP‐Q). In parallel with the previous contributions, dealt with the issue of geometric modelling of pelvic organs that had not been treated in these contributions. Bay et al presented a method to reconstruct hollow organs with a thickness from pre‐segmented points cloud.…”

“…Bay et al presented a method to reconstruct hollow organs with a thickness from pre‐segmented points cloud. In Jiang et al, a more efficient approach was proposed to generate readily usable computer‐assisted design (CAD) pelvic geometries for FE simulations. The geometry construction was validated by using a controlled physical model .…”

Image‐based isogeometric twins of lattices with virtual image correlation for varying cross‐section beams

“…[51][52][53]57 The VIC variant reviewed in this section seems to be the most modern one. 55,56 It achieves a good compromise between simplicity and efficiency.…”

A new geodesic-based feature for characterization of 3D shapes: application to soft tissue organ temporal deformations

“…The idea behind is to parameterize the reconstructed organ surface with a reduced number of points representing the vertices of a temporal quadrilateral mesh in order to use the generated (3D+time) smooth mesh sequence for finite element simulations. This configuration is then required for establishing a robust biomechanical model of organ dynamics [12]. This clinical context is the primary motivation of this work, the results of which go beyond this framework and can be generalized to any 3D shapes.…”