ABSTRACT
Objective To construct a three-dimensional mechanical finite element model (FEM) of human gallbladder for non-invasive biomechanical research of gallbladder and operation simulation. Methods An interactive CAD model of gallbladder was developed by parametric design software PRO/E using anatomical data, and was transferred into the finite element analysis software ANSYS in IGES format. Subsequently,the geometric model was meshed with 3D 20-node hexahedral structural solid elements and endued with material attributes to build the FEM. The procedure of clampping the gallbladder fundus was simulated with the established FEM, and the deformation and Von Mises Stress was analyzed under displacement loads. Results A 3D FEM of gallbaldder was successfully established, including the fundus, body and neck of gallbladder. The model consisted of 14 520 elements and 82 524 nodes. It was found that the Von Mises Stress concentration areas were at the periphery of the gallbladder bed and junction of gallbladder neck and cystic duct, and the deformation was centered at the head of gallbladder fundus. Conclusion FEM can simulate the mechanical response in gallbladder operation, and the gallbladder FEM can be used for biomechanical research of the gallbladder.