A FLEXIBLE ALGORITHM FOR CONSTRUCTION OF 3-D VESSEL NETWORKS FOR USE IN THERMAL MODELING

A new algorithm for the construction of artificial blood vessel networ ks is presented. The algorithm produces three-dimensional (3-D) geomet rical representations of both arterial and venous networks, The key in gredient of the algorithm is a 3-D potential function defined in the t issue volume. This potential function controls the paths by which poin ts are connected to existing vessels, thereby producing new vessel seg ments, The potential function has no physiological interpretation, but , by adjustment of parameters governing the potential, it is possible to produce networks that have physiologically meaningful geometrical p roperties. If desired, the veins can be generated counter current to t he arteries, Furthermore, the potential function allows fashioning of the networks to the presence of bone or air cavities, The resulting ne tworks can be used for thermal simulations of hyperthermia treatment.