Modeling bladder mechanics with 4D reconstruction of murine ex vivo bladder filling

Abstract

This study presents a novel methodology for high-resolution 3D bladder modeling during filling, developed by leveraging improved imaging and computational techniques. Using murine bladder filling data, the methodology generates accurate 3D geometries across time, enabling in-depth mechanical analysis. Comparison with a traditional spherical model revealed similar stress trends, but the 3D model permitted nuanced quantifications, such as localized surface curvature and stress analysis. This advanced 3D model captures complex tissue behavior crucially influenced by tissue-specific microstructural characteristics. This methodology can also be extended to other tissues such as lungs, uterus, and gastrointestinal tract tissues. Applying this analysis to different tissues can uncover mechanisms driven by localized mechanics, such as the sensation of fullness in the bladder due to microcontractions, uterine contractions during labor, and peristaltic contractions in the gastrointestinal tract. This broader applicability underscores our approach’s potential to advance the understanding of tissue-specific mechanical behaviors across various biological systems.