A 3D porous media liver lobule model: the importance of vascular septa and anisotropic permeability for homogeneous perfusion

Charlotte Debbaut, Jan Vierendeels, Jennifer H. Siggers, Rodolfo Repetto, Diethard Monbaliu, Patrick Segers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

The hepatic blood circulation is complex, particularly at the microcirculatory level. Previously, 2D liver lobule models using porous media and a 3D model using real sinusoidal geometries have been developed. We extended these models to investigate the role of vascular septa (VS) and anisotropic permeability. The lobule was modelled as a hexagonal prism (with or without VS) and the tissue was treated as a porous medium (isotropic or anisotropic permeability). Models were solved using computational fluid dynamics. VS inclusion resulted in more spatially homogeneous perfusion. Anisotropic permeability resulted in a larger axial velocity component than isotropic permeability. A parameter study revealed that results are most sensitive to the lobule size and radial pressure drop. Our model provides insight into hepatic microhaemodynamics, and suggests that inclusion of VS in the model leads to perfusion patterns that are likely to reflect physiological reality. The model has potential for applications to unphysiological and pathological conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1295-1310
Number of pages16
JournalComputer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering
Volume17
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Sept 2014

Keywords

  • anisotropic permeability
  • computational fluid dynamics
  • hepatic microcirculation
  • liver lobule
  • porous medium
  • vascular septa

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Computer Science Applications

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A 3D porous media liver lobule model: the importance of vascular septa and anisotropic permeability for homogeneous perfusion'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this