Peter Cislo
Research Mentor: Jens-Christian Meiners
Mentor Department: Biophysics / Physics, LSA
Author(s): Peter Cislo, Jens-Christian Meiners
Session: Session 1 (9:00 AM – 9:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 135
Abstract
Tissue Decompression induced by large drops in ambient pressure such as diving and aerospace applications causes small gas bubbles inside the tissue to exert stress, causing damage to the surrounding tissue. The way in which these bubbles expand and apply pressure to surrounding tissues is not fully understood. To simulate the compression and decompression of these bubbles we have developed a finite element COMSOL model which uses tissue mechanics and gas diffusion. The model is based on collected experimental data from spinal samples tested under stress and strain. The model allows for different levels of pressure changes and modification of the time of decompression to simulate different conditions. Specifically, we have modeled the tissue samples for decompression from 3 and 5 bar to 1 bar, in which we have collected data for the bubble pressure, external pressure, stretch of white and grey matter, and other variables. Using the data we can quantify the damage to the surrounding tissue and compare results to the collected experimental data we found that the staring on the tissue can be predicted. In our testing we have developed a greater understanding of how depressurization impacts bubble growth in tissues and the simulated damage that is caused. Our simulation has also quantified the damage caused by bubble decompression in tissues, matching it to severe spinal cord injuries.
