Person:
Malvè, Mauro

person.page.identifierURI

https://academica-e.unavarra.es/handle/2454/49492

Last Name

Malvè

First Name

Mauro

person.page.departamento

Ingeniería

ORCID

0000-0002-0116-2736

person.page.upna

810700

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 23

Open Access
Computational analysis of polymeric biodegradable and customizable airway stent designs
(MDPI, 2024-06-14) Ayechu Abendaño, Ada; Pérez-Jiménez, Aurora; Sánchez-Matás, Carmen; López-Villalobos, José Luis; Díaz Jiménez, Cristina; Fernández-Parra, Rocío; Malvè, Mauro; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
The placement of endotracheal prostheses is a procedure used to treat tracheal lesions when no other surgical options are available. Unfortunately, this technique remains controversial. Both silicon and metallic stents are used with unpredictable success rates, as they have advantages but also disadvantages. Typical side effects include restenosis due to epithelial hyperplasia, obstruction and granuloma formation. Repeat interventions are often required. Biodegradable stents are promising in the field of cardiovascular biomechanics but are not yet approved for use in the respiratory system. The aim of the present study is to summarize important information and to evaluate the role of different geometrical features for the fabrication of a new tracheo-bronchial prosthesis prototype, which should be biodegradable, adaptable to the patient’s lesion and producible by 3D printing. A parametric design and subsequent computational analysis using the finite element method is carried out. Two different stent designs are parameterized and analyzed. The biodegradable material chosen for simulations is polylactic acid. Experimental tests are conducted for assessing its mechanical properties. The role of the key design parameters on the radial force of the biodegradable prosthesis is investigated. The computational results allow us to elucidate the role of the pitch angle, the wire thickness and the number of cells or units, among other parameters, on the radial force. This work may be useful for the design of ad hoc airway stents according to the patient and type of lesion.
Open Access
Topological features dictate the mechanics of the mammalian brains
(Elsevier, 2020) Sáez, Pablo; Duñó, C.; Sun, L.Y.; Antonovaite, N.; Malvè, Mauro; Tost, D.; Goriely, A.; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
Understanding brain mechanics is crucial in the study of pathologies involving brain deformations such as tumor, strokes, or in traumatic brain injury. Apart from the intrinsic mechanical properties of the brain tissue, the topology and geometry of the mammalian brains are particularly important for its mechanical response. We use computational methods in combination with geometric models to understand the role of these features. We find that the geometric quantifiers such as the gyrification index play a fundamental role in the overall mechanical response of the brain. We further demonstrate that topological diversity in brain models is more important than differences in mechanical properties: Topological differences modify not only the stresses and strains in the brain but also its spatial distribution. Therefore, computational brain models should always include detailed geometric information to generate accurate mechanical predictions. These results suggest that mammalian brain gyrification acts as a damping system to reduce mechanical damage in large-mass brain mammals. Our results are relevant in several areas of science and engineering related to brain mechanics, including the study of tumor growth, the understanding of brain folding, and the analysis of traumatic brain injuries.
Open Access
Fluid-structure simulation of a general non-contact tonometry. A required complexity?
(Elsevier, 2018) Ariza Gracia, Miguel A.; Wu, Wei; Calvo, Begoña; Malvè, Mauro; Büchler, Philippe; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
Understanding corneal biomechanics is important for applications regarding refractive surgery prediction outcomes and the study of pathologies affecting the cornea itself. In this regard, non-contact tonometry (NCT) is gaining interest as a non-invasive diagnostic tool in ophthalmology, and is becoming an alternative method to characterize corneal biomechanics in vivo. In general, identification of material parameters of the cornea from a NCT test relies on the inverse finite element method, for which an accurate and reliable modelization of the test is required. This study explores four different modeling strategies ranging from pure structural analysis up to a fluid–structure interaction model considering the air–cornea and humor–cornea interactions. The four approaches have been compared using clinical biomarkers commonly used in ophthalmology. Results from the simulations indicate the importance of considering the humors as fluids and the deformation of the cornea when determining the pressure applied by the air-jet during the test. Ignoring this two elements in the modeling lead to an overestimation of corneal displacement and therefore an overestimation of corneal stiffness when using the inverse finite element method.
Open Access
Computational fluid dynamics comparison of the upper airway velocity, pressure, and resistance in cats using an endotracheal tube or a supraglottic airway device
(Frontiers Media, 2023) Zamora -Perarnau, Carla; Malvè, Mauro; Fernández-Parra, Rocío; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
Intoduction: In veterinary medicine, airway management of cats under general anesthesia is performed with an endotracheal tube (ETT) or supraglottic airway device (SGAD). This study aims to describe the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to assess the velocities, pressures, and resistances of cats with ETT or SGAD. Methods: A geometrical reconstruction model of the device, trachea, and lobar bronchi was carried out from computed tomography (CT) scans that include the head, neck, and thorax. Twenty CT scans of cats under general anesthesia using ETT (n = 10) and SGAD (n = 10) were modeled and analyzed. An inspiratory flow of 2.4 L/min was imposed in each model and velocity (m/s), general and regional pressures (cmH2O) were computed. General resistance (cmH2O/L/min) was calculated using differential pressure differences between the device inlet and lobar bronchi. Additionally, regional resistances were calculated at the device¿s connection with the breathing circuit (region A), at the glottis area for the SGAD, and the area of the ETT exit (bevel) (region B) and the device itself (region C). Results: Recirculatory flow and high velocities were found at the ETT¿s bevel and at the glottis level in the SGAD group. The pressure gradient (¿p) was more enhanced in the ETT cases compared with the SGAD cases, where the pressure change was drastic. In region A, the ¿p was higher in the ETT group, while in regions B and C, it was higher in the SGAD group. The general resistance was not statistically significant between groups (p = 0.48). Higher resistances were found at the region A (p = <0.001) in the ETT group. In contrast, the resistance was higher in the SGAD cases at the region B (p = 0.001). Discussion: Overall, the provided CT-based CFD analysis demonstrated regional changes in airway pressure and resistance between ETT and SGAD during anesthetic flow conditions. Correct selection of the airway device size is recommended to avoid upper airway obstruction or changes in flow parameters.
Open Access
In vitro comparison of Günther Tulip and Celect filters. Testing filtering efficiency and pressure drop
(Elsevier, 2015) Nicolás, M.; Malvè, Mauro; Peña, Estefanía; Martínez, Miguel Ángel; Leask, R.; Ingeniería Mecánica, Energética y de Materiales; Mekanika, Energetika eta Materialen Ingeniaritza
In this study, the trapping ability of the Günther Tulip and Celect inferior vena cava filters was evaluated. Thrombus capture rates of the filters were tested in vitro in horizontal position with thrombus diameters of 3 and 6 mm and tube diameter of 19 mm. The filters were tested in centered and tilted positions. Sets of 30 clots were injected into the model and the same process was repeated 20 times for each different condition simulated. Pressure drop experienced along the system was also measured and the percentage of clots captured was recorded. The Günther Tulip filter showed superiority in all cases, trapping almost 100% of 6 mm clots both in an eccentric and tilted position and trapping 81.7% of the 3 mm clots in a centered position and 69.3% in a maximum tilted position. The efficiency of all filters tested decreased as the size of the embolus decreased and as the filter was tilted. The injection of 6 clots raised the pressure drop to 4.1 mmHg, which is a reasonable value that does not cause the obstruction of blood flow through the system.
Open Access
On studying the interaction between different stent models and rabbit tracheal tissue: numerical, endoscopic and histological comparison
(Biomedical Engineering Society, 2016) Chaure, J.; Serrano, C.; Fernández-Parra, Rocío; Peña, Estefanía; Malvè, Mauro; Ingeniería Mecánica, Energética y de Materiales; Mekanika, Energetika eta Materialen Ingeniaritza
Stenting technique is employed worldwide for treating atherosclerotic vessel and tracheal stenosis. Both diseases can be treated by means of metallic stents which present advantages but are affected by the main problem of restenosis of the stented area. In this study we have built a rabbit trachea numerical model and we have analyzed it before and after insertion and opening of two types of commercial stent: a Zilver® FlexTM Stent and a WallStentTM. In experimental parallel work, two types of stent were implanted in 30 New Zealand rabbits divided in two groups of 10 animals corresponding to each stent type and a third group made up of 10 animals without stent. The tracheal wall response was assessed by means of computerized tomography by endoscopy, macroscopic findings and histopathological study 90 days after stent deployment. Three idealized trachea models, one model for each group, were created in order to perform the computational study. The animal model was used to validate the numerical findings and to attempt to find qualitative correlations between numerical and experimental results. Experimental findings such as inflammation, granuloma and abnormal tissue growth, assessed from histomorphometric analyses were compared with derived numerical parameters such as wall shear stress (WSS) and maximum principal stress. The direct comparison of these parameters and the biological response supports the hypothesis that WSS and tensile stresses may lead to a greater tracheal epithelium response within the stented region, with the latter seeming to have the dominant role. This study may be helpful for improving stent design and demonstrates the feasibility offered by in-silico investigated tracheal structural and fluid dynamics.
Open Access
Experimental bench for hemodynamic study of coronary artery with serial stenoses: fractional flow reserve assessment
(Taylor & Francis, 2017) Coppel, R.; Gómez, A. L.; Finet, G.; Malvè, Mauro; Pettigrew, R. I.; Ingeniería Mecánica, Energética y de Materiales; Mekanika, Energetika eta Materialen Ingeniaritza
The aim of this study was to develop an experimental hemodynamic bench to elucidate the influences of such geometrical parameters on the FFR assessment. As a first approach, the present work was focused on the influence of the severity of S1 and S2.
Open Access
CFD-based comparison study of a new flow diverting stent and commercially-available ones for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms
(MDPI, 2019) Catalán Echeverría, Borja; Kelly, Michael E.; Peeling, Lissa; Bergstrom, Donald; Chen, Xiongbiao; Malvè, Mauro; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
Flow-diverting stents (FDSs) show considerable promise for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms by diverting blood flow away from the aneurysmal sacs, however, post-treatment complications such as failure of occlusion and subarachnoid haemorrhaging remain and vary with the FDS used. Based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), this study aimed to investigate the performance of a new biodegradable stent as compared to two metallic commercially available FDSs. CFD models were developed for an idealized cerebral artery with a sidewall aneurysmal sac treated by deploying the aforementioned stents of different porosities (90, 80, and 70%) respectively. By using these models, the simulation and analysis were performed, with a focus on comparing the local hemodynamics or the blood flow in the stented arteries as compared to the one without the stent deployment. For the comparison, we computed and compared the flow velocity, wall shear stress (WSS) and pressure distributions, as well as the WSS related indices, all of which are of important parameters for studying the occlusion and potential rupture of the aneurysm. Our results illustrate that the WSS decreases within the aneurysmal sac on the treated arteries, which is more significant for the stents with lower porosity or finer mesh. Our results also show that the maximum WSS near the aneurysmal neck increases regardless of the stents used. In addition, the WSS related indices including the time-average WSS, oscillatory shear index and relative residence time show different distributions, depending on the FDSs. Together, we found that the finer mesh stents provide more flow reduction and smaller region characterized by high oscillatory shear index, while the new stent has a higher relative residence time.
Open Access
An image-based framework for the analysis of the murine microvasculature: from tissue clarification to computational hemodynamics
(MDPI, 2022) Mañosas Sánchez, Santiago; Sanz Muñoz, Aritz; Ederra, Cristina; Urbiola, Ainhoa; Rojas De Miguel, Elvira; Ostiz, Ainhoa; Cortés Domínguez, Iván; Ramírez, Natalia; Ortiz de Solórzano, Carlos; Villanueva Larre, Arantxa; Malvè, Mauro; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
The blood–brain barrier is a unique physiological structure acting as a filter for every molecule reaching the brain through the blood. For this reason, an effective pharmacologic treatment supplied to a patient by systemic circulation should first be capable of crossing the barrier. Standard cell cultures (or those based on microfluidic devices) and animal models have been used to study the human blood–brain barrier. Unfortunately, these tools have not yet reached a state of maturity because of the complexity of this physiological process aggravated by a high heterogeneity that is not easily recapitulated experimentally. In fact, the extensive research that has been performed and the preclinical trials carried out provided sometimes contradictory results, and the functionality of the barrier function is still not fully understood. In this study, we have combined tissue clarification, advanced microscopy and image analysis to develop a one-dimensional computational model of the microvasculature hemodynamics inside the mouse brain. This model can provide information about the flow regime, the pressure field and the wall shear stress among other fluid dynamics variables inside the barrier. Although it is a simplified model of the cerebral microvasculature, it allows a first insight on into the blood–brain barrier hemodynamics and offers several additional possibilities to systematically study the barrier microcirculatory processes.
Open Access
A theoretical model of the endothelial cell morphology due to different waveforms
(Elsevier, 2015) Sáez, Pablo; Malvè, Mauro; Martínez, Miguel Ángel; Ingeniería Mecánica, Energética y de Materiales; Mekanika, Energetika eta Materialen Ingeniaritza
Endothelial cells are key units in the regulatory biological process of blood vessels. They represent an interface to transmit variations on the fluid dynamic changes. They are able to adapt its cytoskeleton, by means of microtubules reorientation and F-actin reorganization, due to new mechanical environments. Moreover, they are responsible for initiating a huge cascade of biological processes, such as the release of endothelins (ET-1), in charge of the constriction of the vessel and growth factors such as TGF β and PDGF. Although a huge efforts have been made in the experimental characterization and description of these two issues the computational modeling has not gained such an attention. In this work we study the 3D remodeling of endothelial cells based on the main features of blood flow. In particular we study how different oscillatory shear index and the time average wall shear stresses modify the endothelial cell shape. We found our model fitted the experimental works presented before in in vitro studies. We also include our model within a computational fluid dynamics simulation of a carotid artery to evaluate endothelial cell shape index which is a key predictor of atheroma plaque formation. Moreover, our approach can be coupled with models of collagen and smooth muscle cell growth, where remodeling and the associated release of chemical substance are involved.