3D airway reconstruction using visible human data set and human casts with comparison to morphometric data.

Realistic airway geometry is required for accurate biomechanical modeling, particle deposition predictions and ultimately risk assessment and inhaled drug delivery protocols. Morphometric studies to date provide data for specific anatomical locations or for more generational average data for the entire lung. In an attempt to provide a realistic geometry representative of a typical human, the National Institute of Health (NIH) Visible Human (VH) female data set was reconstructed and compared to available morphometric data from the literature. The reconstructed NIH VH female airway model extended from just distal to the larynx down through the fifth generation of bronchial passageways. Casting and scanning techniques were used to create the upper airway geometries so that the model could be used realistically for oral exposure. Each reconstruction stage was examined to show the loss of data during segmentation, decimation, and smoothing processes. The resulting dimensions of the complete female model were consistent with morphometric data from the literature, indicating that the model is a reasonable representation of an adult female that could be used for biomechanical modeling.