|
|
PI: B. Cohen;* PI (Subcontract): E. Hoffman;+ Consultants: J. Reinhardt,+ G. McLennan,+ N. Harley.* (*NYUSOM, +U. Iowa)
The objectives of this pilot project are to: 1) develop methods for retrieval of morphometric data from three dimensional images of conducting airways obtained by volumetric x-ray Computerized Tomography (CT) to assess airway variability in healthy adults and children and in individuals with compromised lungs; and 2) use the resulting computerized data files to produce hollow airway casts (for PM deposition studies) by stereolithography (STL). The project joins the extensive imaging expertise at U. Iowa with NYUSOM PM expertise. The ultimate goal is to quantify the effect of airway variability on PM deposition and dose, thus addressing an important issue in PM susceptibility.
Patients will be scanned supine, at 65% Vital Capacity, to acquire 1.5 mm thick sections in a continuous volume (spiral) scanning mode whereby 140 sections are acquired from apex to base. Reconstruction will utilize the smallest allowable field of view relative to an individual patientīs thoracic cavity size and a high spatial frequency reconstruction algorithm. The 3-D images will be converted to an STL file. A physical solid model of the airway lumens, and a hollow cast model, for each subject will be created.
This project will develop methods both for the quantification of airway morphometry in human subjects, and for utilizing the data in STL format to produce hollow airway cast models. Since the STL can make an infinite number of accurate replicas, duplicate casts can be made for experimental studies and for distribution to other EPA PM Centers.
|
