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A computational model of ureteral peristalsis and an investigation into ureteral reflux

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Abstract

The aim of this study is to create a computational model of the human ureteral system that accurately replicates the peristaltic movement of the ureter for a variety of physiological and pathological functions. The objectives of this research are met using our in-house fluid-structural dynamics code (CgLes–Y code). A realistic peristaltic motion of the ureter is modelled using a novel piecewise linear force model. The urodynamic responses are investigated under two conditions of a healthy and a depressed contraction force. A ureteral pressure during the contraction shows a very good agreement with corresponding clinical data. The results also show a dependency of the wall shear stresses on the contraction velocity and it confirms the presence of a high shear stress at the proximal part of the ureter. Additionally, it is shown that an inefficient lumen contraction can increase the possibility of a continuous reflux during the propagation of peristalsis.

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Acknowledgements

National computing time was provided by UK Turbulence Consortium under EPSRC Grant EP/L000261, Clinical data was provided by Urology Research Innovation at Whipps Cross Hospital.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Engineering and Material Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK

    G. Hosseini, M. A. Rezaienia & E. Avital

  2. Tianjin University, Tianjin, 200072, China

    C. Ji & D. Xu

  3. University of Split, 21000, Split, Croatia

    A. Munjiza

  4. Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China

    J. J. R. Williams

  5. Whipps Cross Hospital, London, E11 1NR, UK

    J. S. A. Green

Authors
  1. G. Hosseini
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  2. C. Ji
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  3. D. Xu
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  4. M. A. Rezaienia
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  5. E. Avital
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  6. A. Munjiza
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  7. J. J. R. Williams
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  8. J. S. A. Green
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to J. J. R. Williams.

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All scans showing the whole ureter with normal anatomy were anonymised and chosen at random from a larger educational set.

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Hosseini, G., Ji, C., Xu, D. et al. A computational model of ureteral peristalsis and an investigation into ureteral reflux. Biomed. Eng. Lett. 8, 117–125 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13534-017-0053-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13534-017-0053-0

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