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Development of Medical Simulation Computer Models

We are also developing technologies for real-time visualization of tissue viability and function based on computer simulations that will provide a new tool for doctors to help them in planning for and using protective cooling. This work further advances the development effort already started by Argonne for modeling the cooling of organs such as the kidney (see Figures 2 and 3). We are improving our whole organ thermal modeling by developing an improved understanding of tissue perfusion, metabolism, and vasculature blood flow under surgical or emergency conditions. We are also improving our 3-D simulation models employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations of flow in blood vessels. Figure 6 shows a 3-D computer simulation using Argonne’s NEK5000 CFD code of blood flow at a vessel bifurcation. The computer simulation research also involves coupling CFD and bio-structural models that will allow simultaneous simulation of bio-fluid interactions with confining blood vessels and organ structures.

Under many medical treatments, activities performed on the target organ/tissue often illicit responses of adjacent organs or subsystems which complicate treatment. Being able to model, understand, and prevent or mitigate these secondary sometimes detrimental feed back responses will improve treatment. Figure 7 shows a schematic of an Argonne computer simulation model being developed for modeling the complex interaction of multiple organs and bio-subsystems.

With continued research and success in slurry development, broadening medical applications, and human clinical trials, a technology originally developed for industrial and municipal cooling may some day find medical applications by both emergency first responders and surgeons.

Medical Ice Slurry Coolants for Inducing Targeted-Organ/Tissue Protective Cooling
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