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Novel Method to Track Soft Tissue Deformation by Micro-Computed Tomography: Application to the Mitral Valve
Eric L Pierce1, Charles H Bloodworth1, Ajay Naran1
1Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, 387 Technology Circle NW, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA, 30313, USA.
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|November 11, 2015
Summary
A new system uses micro-computed tomography (µCT) to track tiny markers in soft tissues, improving mechanical analysis. This non-destructive method enhances understanding of tissue deformation for better biomaterials and medical devices.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Micro-computed tomography (µCT) offers high geometric detail for soft tissue modeling.
- Current kinematic tracking methods struggle with complex geometries and large deformations.
- Enhanced soft tissue kinematic analysis is crucial for accurate mechanical characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a non-destructive system for applying and tracking fiducial markers in soft tissues using µCT.
- Improve the accuracy and applicability of kinematic analysis in soft tissues.
- Enable detailed mechanical characterization of tissues and tissue-device interactions.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel applicator for non-destructive, minimal-adhesive fiducial marker application (minimum diameter: 500 µm).
- Utilized µCT for tracking markers through multiple loading conditions across various deformation states.
- Compared µCT tracking accuracy with stereophotogrammetry, assessing marker material resolution and tissue stiffness impact.
Main Results:
- Four distinct marker materials were resolvable from tissue and each other without image artifacts.
- No significant impact on tissue stiffness was observed after marker application.
- µCT tracking demonstrated higher accuracy (inter-method positional error 1.2 ± 0.3 mm) compared to stereophotogrammetry.
- Application to ovine mitral valves yielded leaflet Almansi areal strains (45 ± 4%) consistent with literature values.
- Provided radiographic access to previously inaccessible regions like the leaflet coaptation zone.
Conclusions:
- The developed µCT-based fiducial marker system enhances soft tissue kinematic analysis.
- This non-destructive method accurately captures large deformations and complex geometries.
- The system supports mechanical characterization of tissues, biomaterials, and tissue-device interactions for research and regulatory purposes.
