FEM simulation of breast deformation with semi-fluid representation

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biomechanical Modeling
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Breast deformation during surgery significantly impacts image-guided accuracy.
• The breast exhibits semi-fluid behavior due to adipose tissue and fascial anchoring structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a method for simulating semi-fluid breast deformation.
• To improve the accuracy of breast posture conversion in image-guided surgery.

Main Methods:

• A finite element method was used to model breast deformation.
• The model incorporates anatomical features, tissue mobility, and anchoring structures.
• Constraint forces from anchoring structures were applied to a prone-positioned breast model.

Main Results:

• The proposed semi-fluid representation reduced tumor center registration error to 11.87 ± 4.05 mm.
• The Hausdorff distance for the tumor decreased from 12.89 ± 6.24 mm to 11.50 ± 4.38 mm.
• Considering semi-fluidity in the model improved registration accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The semi-fluid representation of breast deformation can reduce registration errors.
• The proposed method shows potential for enhancing the accuracy of breast posture conversion in image-guided surgery.