Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
10:23
A Computational Modeling Approach to Investigate the Influence of Hyperthermia on the Tumor Microenvironment
Published on: December 1, 2023
3D simulation of needle-tissue interaction with application to prostate brachytherapy
Orcun Goksel1, Septimiu E Salcudean, Simon P Dimaio
1University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. orcung@ece.ubc.ca
Summary
This study introduces a 3D needle-tissue interaction model using the Finite Element Method. It optimizes mesh modification techniques for flexible needle insertions, enhancing simulation speed and accuracy in medical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Computational mechanics
- Biomedical engineering
- Medical simulation
Background:
- Existing needle-tissue interaction models often use the Finite Element Method (FEM).
- Simulating flexible needle insertion requires dynamic mesh updates, posing computational challenges.
- Current mesh modification techniques can be computationally intensive and impact simulation fidelity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate numerical methods for efficient mesh modification during 3D flexible needle insertion simulations.
- To compare the performance of different mesh modification techniques, specifically node repositioning and node addition.
- To implement a method for visualizing needle forces in a 3D prostate model for educational purposes.
Main Methods:
- A 3D needle-tissue interaction model was developed using the Finite Element Method.
- Two mesh modification techniques, node repositioning and node addition, were investigated for coarse meshes.
- The Woodbury formula and boundary condition switches were compared for implementing mesh modifications.
- A visualization method for rendering needle forces during simulated prostate insertions was implemented.
Main Results:
- The Woodbury formula demonstrated faster performance than boundary condition switches due to cache efficiency, despite similar computational complexity.
- Node addition was achieved in constant time for both numerical approaches.
- Node repositioning resulted in longer and variable computational times.
- The implemented visualization method aids in understanding needle-tissue interactions during simulated procedures.
Conclusions:
- The Woodbury formula offers a computationally efficient approach for mesh modification in flexible needle insertion simulations.
- Node addition is a faster mesh modification strategy compared to node repositioning.
- The developed 3D model and visualization tools can enhance the training for procedures like prostate brachytherapy.
