Hyper- and viscoelastic modeling of needle and brain tissue interaction

Deep needle insertion into brain is important for both diagnostic and therapeutic clinical interventions. We have developed an automated system for robotically steering flexible needles within the brain to improve targeting accuracy. In this work, we have developed a finite element needle-tissue interaction model that allows for the investigation of safe parameters for needle steering. The tissue model implemented contains both hyperelastic and viscoelastic properties to simulate the instantaneous and time-dependent responses of brain tissue. Several needle models were developed with varying parameters to study the effects of the parameters on tissue stress, strain and strain rate during needle insertion and rotation. The parameters varied include needle radius, bevel angle, bevel tip fillet radius, insertion speed, and rotation speed. The results will guide the design of safe needle tips and control systems for intracerebral needle steering.