A 3D virtual environment for modeling mechanical cardiopulmonary interactions

We have developed a computer system for modeling mechanical physiological behavior in an interactive, 3D virtual environment. Such an environment can be used to facilitate exploration of cardiopulmonary physiology, particularly in situations that are difficult to reproduce clinically. We integrate 3D deformable body dynamics with new, formal models of (scalar) cardiorespiratory physiology, associating the scalar physiological variables and parameters with corresponding 3D anatomy. Our approach is amenable to modeling patient-specific circumstances in two ways. First, using CT scan data, we apply semiautomatic methods for extracting and reconstructing the anatomy to use in our simulations. Second, our scalar models are defined in terms of clinically-measurable, patient-specific parameters. This paper describes our approach, problems we have encountered, and a sample of results showing normal breathing and acute effects of pneumothoraces.