Global Constructive Optimization of Vascular Systems

We present a framework for the construction of vascular systems based on optimality principles of theoretical physiology. Given the position and flow distribution of end points of a vascular system, we construct the topology and positions of internal nodes to complete the vascular system in a realistic manner. Optimization is driven by intravascular volume minimization with constraints derived from physiological principles. Direct optimization of a vascular system, including topological changes, is used instead of simulating vessel growth. A good initial topology is found by extracting key information from a previously optimized model with less detail. This technique is used iteratively in a multi-level approach to create a globally optimized vascular system. Notes: Most of this work was completed at Fraunhofer MeVis during the summer of 2004.