Toward the Development of Virtual Surgical Tools to Aid Orthopaedic FE Analyses

Computational models of joint anatomy and function provide a means for biomechanists, physicians, and physical therapists to understand the effects of repetitive motion, acute injury, and degenerative diseases. Finite element models, for example, may be used to predict the outcome of a surgical intervention or to improve the design of prosthetic implants. Countless models have been developed over the years to address a myriad of orthopaedic procedures. Unfortunately, few studies have incorporated patient-specific models. Historically, baseline anatomic models have been used due to the demands associated with model development. Moreover, surgical simulations impose additional modeling challenges. Current meshing practices do not readily accommodate the inclusion of implants. Our goal is to develop a suite of tools (virtual instruments and guides) which enable surgical procedures to be readily simulated and to facilitate the development of all-hexahedral finite element mesh definitions

Physiological significance of P2X receptor-mediated vasoconstriction in five different types of arteries in rats

P2X1 receptors, the major subtype of P2X receptors in the vascular smooth muscle, are essential for α,β-methylene adenosine 5′-triphosphate (α,β-MeATP)-induced vasoconstriction. However, relative physiological significance of P2X1 receptor-regulated vasoconstriction in the different types of arteries in the rat is not clear as compared with α1-adrenoceptor-regulated vasoconstriction. In the present study, we found that vasoconstrictive responses to noncumulative administration of α,β-MeATP in the rat isolated mesenteric arteries were significantly smaller than those to single concentration administration of α,β-MeATP. Therefore, we firstly reported the characteristic of α,β-MeATP-regulated vasoconstrictions in rat tail, internal carotid, pulmonary, mesenteric arteries, and aorta using single concentration administration of α,β-MeATP. The rank order of maximal vasoconstrictions for α,β-MeATP (Emax·α,β-MeATP) was the same as that of maximal vasoconstrictions for noradrenaline (Emax·NA) in the internal carotid, pulmonary, mesenteric arteries, and aorta. Moreover, the value of (Emax·α,β-MeATP/Emax·KCl)/(Emax·NA/Emax·KCl) was 0.4 in each of the four arteries, but it was 0.8 in the tail artery. In conclusion, P2X1 receptor-mediated vasoconstrictions are equally important in rat internal carotid, pulmonary, mesenteric arteries, and aorta, but much greater in the tail artery, suggesting its special role in physiological function