Considerable efforts over the last several decades have been directed to the development of computational models and software to simulate biomedical problems, and various numerical and computational methods have been introduced. Some of these represent extensions of concepts already used in engineering, while others have been formulated to treat specifics in biomedicine. The range of approaches in computational methodology spans from pure mathematics to applied mechanics with a strong coupling to laboratory and clinical investigations.
The results of computational methods helped to elucidate many biochemical and biomechanical processes, which ultimately improved both therapies and medical procedures. Computational methods and the corresponding software are becoming ever more prominent in medical research and practice. However, besides the mentioned advances, it can be stated that the extensive use of computer simulations in research and practice is still at an early stage. Thus, there is a need to have methodology and software suitable for everyday applications. The authors have developed novel computational methodology which addresses a variety of topics in biomedicine. Their original concept relies on the so-called smeared physical field built into the finite element method. A new and straightforward methodology is represented by the Kojic Transport Model (KTM). A composite smeared finite element (CSFE) as a FE formulation, contains different fields (eg. drug concentration, electrical potential) in a composite medium, such as tissue, which includes the capillary and lymphatic system, different cell groups and organelles. The continuum domains participate in the overall model according to their volumetric fractions. The governing laws and material parameters are assigned to each of the domains. Furthermore, the continuum fields are coupled at each FE node by connectivity elements which take into account biological barriers as vessel walls and cell/organelle membranes. This breakthrough concept opens a new avenue for practical applications since it is robust, effective, and simple to use. For example, instead of a detailed description of the capillary network or network of neural fibers, a continuum representation is employed (with the corresponding consistent transport tensors). The results of the smeared model are strikingly accurate, which is demonstrated in a number of publications related to drug delivery or electrophysiology. The same concept was further extended more broadly to tissue mechanics. Applicability of the new methodology was illustrated on a number of large-scale biomechanical problems: drug delivery within organs with tumors (eg. pancreas and liver) and including tumor growth modeling; lungs (still in the development phase); electrophysiology coupled with mechanics and drug delivery of the heart; eye models with implants; drug release from implants; immune cell transport, etc.
The methodology presented in Computational Models in Biomedical Engineering: Finite Element Models Based on Smeared Physical Fields - Theory, Solutions, and Software will have a large and broad impact on computational methods, particularly with respect to biomedical applications and medical practice. It will also have a strong impact on education in computational methods, since the concept is straightforward and simple to follow. The book can also be used by researchers interested in modeling specific problems coupled to experimental or clinical research, as well as to extend the methodology by including additional effects and features. The book also offers a support by software designed for large number of examples, with interface, tutorial and guidance for exploring effects of parameters related to the computational models.
