A self-contact electromechanical framework for intestinal motility

Fuente: arXiv
Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Djoumessi, René Thierry, Lenarda, Pietro, Gizzi, Alessio, Paggi, Marco
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
Subjects:
Online Access:
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1866912224263536640
author Djoumessi, René Thierry
Lenarda, Pietro
Gizzi, Alessio
Paggi, Marco
author_facet Djoumessi, René Thierry
Lenarda, Pietro
Gizzi, Alessio
Paggi, Marco
contents This study introduces an advanced multiphysics and multiscale modeling approach to investigate intestinal motility. We propose a generalized electromechanical framework that incorporates contact mechanics, enabling the development of a unique and innovative model for intestinal motility. The theoretical framework includes an electromechanical model coupling a microstructural material model, which describes the intestinal structure, with an electrophysiological model that captures the propagation of slow waves. Additionally, it integrates a self-contact detection algorithm based on a nearest-neighbour search and the penalty method, along with boundary conditions that account for the influence of surrounding organs. A staggered finite element scheme implemented in FEniCS is employed to solve the governing equations using the finite element method. The model is applied to study cases of moderate and severe strangulation hernia, as well as intestinal adhesion syndrome. The results demonstrate that low peristalsis takes place in the pre-strangulation zone. At the same time, very high pressure is recorded in the strangulation zone, and peristaltic contractions persisted in the healthy region. For adhesions, the results indicate a complete absence of peristalsis in the adherent region. The model successfully reproduces both qualitatively and quantitatively propagative contractions in complex scenarios, such as pre- and post-surgical conditions, thereby highlighting its potential to provide valuable insights for clinical applications.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2502_05285
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle A self-contact electromechanical framework for intestinal motility
Djoumessi, René Thierry
Lenarda, Pietro
Gizzi, Alessio
Paggi, Marco
Medical Physics
This study introduces an advanced multiphysics and multiscale modeling approach to investigate intestinal motility. We propose a generalized electromechanical framework that incorporates contact mechanics, enabling the development of a unique and innovative model for intestinal motility. The theoretical framework includes an electromechanical model coupling a microstructural material model, which describes the intestinal structure, with an electrophysiological model that captures the propagation of slow waves. Additionally, it integrates a self-contact detection algorithm based on a nearest-neighbour search and the penalty method, along with boundary conditions that account for the influence of surrounding organs. A staggered finite element scheme implemented in FEniCS is employed to solve the governing equations using the finite element method. The model is applied to study cases of moderate and severe strangulation hernia, as well as intestinal adhesion syndrome. The results demonstrate that low peristalsis takes place in the pre-strangulation zone. At the same time, very high pressure is recorded in the strangulation zone, and peristaltic contractions persisted in the healthy region. For adhesions, the results indicate a complete absence of peristalsis in the adherent region. The model successfully reproduces both qualitatively and quantitatively propagative contractions in complex scenarios, such as pre- and post-surgical conditions, thereby highlighting its potential to provide valuable insights for clinical applications.
title A self-contact electromechanical framework for intestinal motility
topic Medical Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.05285