PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - B. Timmerman
AU  - G. Gibbons
AU  - P. Bryanston-Cross
TI  - Additive layer manufacturing of physiologically realistic patient specific airway models for study of flow modifications in asthma and COPD
DP  - 2013 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - P2274
VI  - 42
IP  - Suppl 57
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P2274.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P2274.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2013 Sep 01; 42
AB  - As part of the AirPROM project aimed at advancing new individually tailored therapies for asthma and COPD, the work presented here is focused on enabling investigation of typical flow modifications seen in these diseases to improve understanding of the underlying mechanisms.For this experiments concentrate on creating models that are anatomically and mechanically realistic through development of novel multi-material additive layer manufacturing (ALM) techniques. Thus different compliances (e.g. muscle or soft tissue) can be mimicked in one model, enabling e.g. breathing cycle airway movement and corresponding flow dynamics to be investigated. In preliminary studies both low (2nd) and high (7th, Fig) order patient-specific hollow models of normal and asthmatic airways were created based on segmented lung CT scans (Timmerman, B et al, 16th Symp Appl Las Tech Fluid Mech 2012). Furthermore, ALM models of upper airways have been created to generate realistic inflow conditions. Using time-resolved stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (PIV) flow characteristics are measured at different sections through the models identifying e.g. recirculation zones or uneven flow distribution (e.g. from trachea to bronchi, Fig). The data has been used for validation and development of CFD models and in vivo MRI velocimetry.CT-based airways model and velocity maps (exit-branch, trachea-bronchi).