45 - "Quality in = quality out: The importance of reliable material parameters in in silico modeling"
Abstract:
With the advent of simulation-based medical device development and in silico trials, there is a strong, industry-driven need for a quality label for computer simulations. To this end, the ASME and FDA have formulated guidelines regarding model credibility, including a rigorous verification and validation process. However, ASME or FDA provide no clear guidelines yet on how to assess the quality of model input parameters. Focusing on simulations including mechanical interaction, material properties of the involved tissues are essential input parameters, but it is extremely difficult for numerical analysts to find appropriate and reliable values for their application. Indeed, the scientific literature abounds with articles experimentally characterizing biological tissues, but widely recognized testing standards for biological tissues are absent. This shortcoming leads to significant variability of test results, on top of the already high inherent variability exhibited by biological tissues.
The ultimate aim as a numerical analyst is to be able to make a well-informed, critical selection of material parameters for your specific application. Therefore, in this webinar, we will walk through the process of obtaining material parameters for use in computer simulations - from tissue collection and preservation over actual testing to parameter optimization - identifying the dos and donts along the way. Using cardiovascular tissue as a case study, we will discuss the current best practices for some aspects, as well as uncover the misconceptions and missing links for others.
With the advent of simulation-based medical device development and in silico trials, there is a strong, industry-driven need for a quality label for computer simulations. The ASME and FDA have formulated guidelines regarding model credibility, including a rigorous verification and validation process. However, ASME or FDA provide no clear guidelines yet on how to assess the quality of model input parameters and it is extremely difficult for numerical analysts to find appropriate and reliable values for their application. The scientific literature abounds with articles experimentally characterizing biological tissues, but widely recognized testing standards for biological tissues are absent. This shortcoming leads to significant variability of test results, on top of the already high inherent variability exhibited by biological tissues.
Bio:
Nele Famaey has a soft spot for biomedical engineering. The research of her Soft TissueBiomechanics Group aims to support clinical decision making and medical device design through in silico modeling. She thereby focuses on the biomechanics of damage, growth and remodeling phenomena in the cardiovascular system, cartilage and brain. This involves biofidelic mechanical characterization as well as non-linear constitutive and numerical modelling.
She received the MSc and PhD degree in mechanical engineering at KU Leuven in 2006 and 2012, respectively. Since 2018, she is assistant professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the Biomechanics Section, and also holds a visiting professorship at the University of Ghent in the BioMMeda group. Since 2017, she is the coordinator of FIBEr, a KU Leuven core facility for biomechanical experimentation.
