A deformation model of pulsating brain tissue for neurosurgery simulation

Area of Science:

• Computational neuroscience
• Biomedical engineering
• Medical simulation

Background:

• Accurate brain tissue deformation models are crucial for realistic neurological simulations and visual feedback.
• Existing models lack intracranial pulsation simulation, reducing the fidelity of visual feedback during procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a finite element model that incorporates intracranial pressure for simulating brain tissue deformation with pulsation.
• To enhance the realism of neurological simulations by accounting for dynamic intracranial pressure changes.

Main Methods:

• A finite element model was developed, integrating intracranial pressure dynamics.
• An implicit Euler method was used for calculating brain tissue deformation.
• A circuit model of intracranial pressure was established based on cerebral blood and cerebrospinal fluid circulation dynamics.

Main Results:

• The proposed model realistically simulates brain tissue pulsation synchronized with intracranial pressure changes.
• Real-time performance was achieved on ordinary computer hardware for specific neurosurgical simulations.
• The model enhances the resemblance to real-life neurosurgery conditions.

Conclusions:

• The implemented deformation model and calculation method provide a realistic simulation of brain tissue pulsation.
• The approach offers real-time performance suitable for certain neurosurgical applications.
• This model significantly improves the visual feedback realism in neurological simulations.