Applied Math Seminar | Robert Hester, Mathematical Modeling of Integrative Human Physiology for Medical Device Development

MC 6460

Speaker

Robert Hester | University of Mississippi

Title

Mathematical Modeling of Integrative Human Physiology for Medical Device Development

Abstract

Computer simulation has been used to understand the aspects of human physiology.  Such simulations include the electrical potentials in the heart, electrolyte transport in the kidney and cell signaling.  Guyton and Coleman in the 1970s developed an integrative physiological simulation to understand the mechanisms responsible for the control of blood pressure.  Over the last 50 years this simulation has developed into HumMod, an integrative physiology simulation package comprised of 14 organ systems and >10,000 unique variables and parameters.  HumMod is being used to understand the mechanisms by which medical devices work for the treatment of hypertension, particularly Baroreceptor Activation Therapy (BAT) and arteriovenous (AV) fistula.  An outcome of any medical treatment, including medical device treatment, is that all patients do not respond the same way.  Populations of virtual patients can be created in HumMod and given specific treatments.  Possible mechanisms responsible for non-responses in patients are determined using topological data analysis, potentially allowing for non-responders to not be included in the clinical trial.   Our overall goal is to improve the process of clinical trials to increase efficiency.