ESR 2: Simulation Constrained Image Registration

Early Stage Researcher  Thomas Alscher
Host institution: University of Copenhagen (UCPH, DK)
Supervisor: Assoc.prof. Sune Darkner (UCPH, DK)
Clinical expert co-supervisor: Dr. Christian Wong (HH).
Further institution involved: Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC, ES)

Objectives

For population studies a biomechanical understanding of the hip joint is a prerequisite for understanding tendencies and correlation to treatment plans. We will create a ‘simulator’ for clinical use to obtain an intimate understanding of biomechanical originated pathologies or injuries in a population. To achieve minimal user-intervention, we use registration methods to generate quality meshes from images of pelvic region obtained from open data sets. We will create a design decision tool for clinical experts combining automatic meshing tools with biomechanical FEM analysis and model-order reduction methods. Objectives are shared with ESR1. ESR1 has main focus on FEA simulation where ESR2 mainly concentrates on automizing population studies.

Expected Results

Development of constraint based simulation registration method. In collaboration with ESR1 and ESR5 combined new technology for population studies in hip related disorders and/or liver cancer.

Planned research stays

• HH (6 months): Training in RSA analysis and data acquisition.
• UCPH (11 months): Applying registration methods on image data and creating simulated based registration using autodiff tools
• URJC (5,5 months): training in medical simulations, highly deformable materials and the building of a physics-based 3D simulator.
• UCPH (13,5 months): Clinical testing and thesis writing.