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Analysis of material parameter uncertainty propagation in preoperative flap suture simulation
Xiaogang Ji1,2, Huabin Li1, Hao Gong3,4
1School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.
Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering
|October 22, 2023
Summary
This study analyzes how uncertain skin flap material properties affect surgical outcomes. Findings suggest a 45° fiber orientation and a 90% flap size optimize surgical outcomes, minimizing stress during skin flap transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computational Mechanics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Skin flap transplantation is crucial for tissue defect repair.
- Finite element method (FEM) is used for pre-operative planning of flap sutures.
- Uncertainty in skin flap material parameters poses challenges for accurate FEM simulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of material parameter uncertainty on the mechanical response of skin flap sutures.
- To develop a robust FEM approach for analyzing flap suture simulations under parameter uncertainty.
Main Methods:
- Constructed patient-specific geometric models of hand wounds using reverse modeling.
- Created finite element models in Abaqus, varying fiber orientations and flap sizes.
- Employed Monte Carlo simulation combined with surrogate modeling for uncertainty propagation analysis.
Main Results:
- An average fiber orientation of 45° resulted in significantly lower overall stress values, indicating an optimal direction for flap excision.
- Scaling down the flap contour to 90% of the preliminary design maintained stress levels within a safe range post-suturing.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a method to analyze uncertainty propagation in skin flap suture simulations.
- Optimal flap design parameters (fiber orientation and size) can be identified to ensure mechanical safety and improve surgical outcomes.
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