Deformation modelling of irregular objects

A main aspect in Image Synthesis is that of "Virtual Environment" (VE), that is ability of realistic modelling of interacting objects. VE studies have found a natural implementation in Medical Imaging (MI). MI applications have shown the need of modelling human tissues and organs, not only from a geometrical point of view (shape, aspect) but also from a physical point of view (soft tissue, rigid bodies, viscoelasticity). This has led to the definition of "deformable objects", described both in terms of morphologic and physical features. This paper presents a model able to complete the morphologic description of complex anatomical structures, reconstructed from volumetric data sets (MR, CT, etc.), with mechanical properties. This model, implemented in AVS/Express TM, represent a simulator able to perform both a realistic modelling of the evolution of intracranial expansive lesions (haematoma, cancer, haemorrhage) and an evaluation of the influence on the surrounding encephalon anatomical districts.