A three-dimensional model for arterial tree representation, generated by constrained constructive optimization

The computational method of constrained constructive optimization (CCO) has been generalized in two important respects: (I) arterial model trees are n ow grown within a convex? three-dimensional piece of tissue and (2) termina l how variability has been incorporated into the model to account for the h eterogeneity of blood how observed in real vascular beds, Although no direc t information from topographic anatomy enters the model, computer-generated CCO trees closely resemble corrosion casts of real arterial trees, both on a visual basis and with regard to morphometric parameters. Terminal flow v ariability was found to induce transitions in the connective structure earl y in the trees' development. The present generalization of CCO offers - for the first time - the possibility to generate optimized arterial model tree s in three dimensions, representing a realistic geometrical substrate for h emodynamic simulation studies. With the implementation of terminal flow var iability the model is ready to simulate processes such as the adaptation of arterial diameters to changes in blood flow rate or the formation of diffe rent patterns of angiogenesis induced by changing needs of blood supply. (C ) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.