Finite element modelling of breast biomechanics: finding a reference state

Non-rigid-body registration techniques, that constrain the set of possible soft tissue deformations to be consistent with the basic laws of physics, offer a means of providing realistic and accurate estimates of breast movement under mammographic compression. Such constraints can be imposed by the use of anatomically accurate finite element models that predict soft tissue deformations. The overarching aim is to develop tools for tracking regions of interest across multiple images (different views taken at different times) for image-guided surgeries and reliable diagnostic and therapy monitoring. Due to the nonlinear deformations imposed on the breast under the various imaging modalities, the finite element reference geometry from which deformations are predicted is important. Gravity loads act on the breast in all imaging modalities. In this paper, we propose a method of identifying a stress-free reference state of the breast given a series of loaded deformed configurations that have been derived from images of a patient placed in different orientations with respect to the direction of gravity