Reality based modeling and simulation of gallbladder shape deformation using variational methods

Purpose Accurate soft tissue deformation modeling is important for realistic surgical simulation. The aim of this study is to develop a reality-based gallbladder model and to determine material constants that represent gallbladder wall mechanical properties. Methods Mechanical experiments on porcine gallbladder were performed to investigate tissue deformation, and an exponential strain energy function was used to describe the nonlinear stress-strain behavior of the gallbladder wall. A new volumetric function based upon the exponential strain energy function was proposed to model the gallbladder organ. A genetic algorithm was used to identify the material parameters of the proposed biomechanical model from the experimental data. Results The material constants of the exponential strain energy model were determined based on the experimental data. Deformation simulation and haptic rendering using the proposed gallbladder model were presented. Comparison between deformation predicted by the proposed model and that of the experimental data on gallbladder wall and gallbladder organ tissues demonstrates the applicability of this reality-based variational method for deformation simulation. Conclusion An accurate soft tissue deformation model was developed using material constants identified for gallbladder. The model is suitable for interactive haptic rendering and deformation simulation. This model has potential applications for simulation of other hollow organs.