A novel model for biomechanical behavior of human brain in epidural hematoma injuries.

To obtain an appropriate model for the simulation of the biomechanical behavior of brain tissue and the deformation of ventricles, in particular, we have developed a novel computerized plain strain finite element model. For optimum results, a multiple loading solutions approach using various tissue parameters for the simulation of epidural hematoma have been tested. For this purpose, CT-Scan of a patient with traumatic epidural hematoma has been modeled. By changing the tissue parameters (E and nu) and increasing intraventricular pressure gradient, the displacement of similar points in the modeled ventricle was compared with the true values obtained from patient's CT-Scan taken 3 months later after the resolution of hematoma. The magnitudes leading to least errors were determined. Best solutions were obtained with E=11-12 kPa and DeltaP=1.25-1.5 kPa (7.5-9.4 mmHg), which were consistent with the patient's clinical condition. Biomechanical modeling of unilateral displacement loadings, which are the conditions similar to surgical navigation systems, without considering ventricular geometry and their internal pressure resulted in unacceptable results.