An advanced computational bioheat transfer model for a human body with an embedded systemic circulation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Biology
• Thermodynamics

Background:

• Existing models often simplify human thermoregulation, neglecting complex fluid dynamics.
• Accurate thermal modeling is crucial for understanding physiological responses and designing medical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel one-dimensional thermofluid model of the human body.
• To integrate arterial fluid dynamics with a multi-segmental bioheat transfer model for surrounding tissues.
• To investigate the impact of convective heat transfer within arteries on overall thermal balance.

Main Methods:

• Coupled arterial fluid dynamics with a multi-layered, multi-segmental bioheat model.
• Incorporated shivering, sweating, and perfusion changes as thermoregulatory mechanisms.
• Employed a locally conservative Galerkin approach for fluid equations and implicit backward Euler for tissue conduction.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that inner convection significantly influences tissue temperature distribution near arteries.
• Highlighted the predominant role of inner convection in human body heat balance, contrary to previous assumptions.
• Validated the model's effectiveness by comparing results with existing methodologies.

Conclusions:

• The proposed thermofluid model provides a more comprehensive understanding of human thermal regulation.
• Inner convection plays a more critical role in thermal balance than previously recognized.
• The model is capable of simulating various physiological and environmental conditions.