MS Theses available at EAR2BRAIN group – DCMC
More than one thesis project is available on each topic and couple theses can be considered. For more information contact simone.perottoni@polimi.it
Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis of the Inner Ear to Unravel Cochlea-Brain Fluidic Interplay in Disease and Drug Delivery
Can pressure dynamics between the cochlea and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) influence pathological process or drug transport? The fluid interface between the inner ear and the brain remains poorly characterized in current scientific literature. This master’s thesis aims to develop a finite element fluid dynamics analysis of the exchange between the cochlear fluids in the inner ear and the CSF in the meninges, in order to evaluate pressure interactions under both physiological and pathological conditions such as hearing loss and dementia.
Using computed tomography (CT) images of the human inner ear, 3D geometries of cochlear structures will be reconstructed and subjected to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with COMSOL Multiphysics software. The project will investigate pressure exchange, as well as fluid and molecular transport within a biomimetic model of the inner ear, with the objective of providing a valuable tool for the study of underexplored anatomical structures and the development of novel drug delivery strategies. This thesis will be conducted in collaboration with Policlinico di Milano Ospedale Maggiore Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of the Inner Ear: Investigation of Fluid-Mechanical Processes in the Cochlea and Vestibular System
Inner ear’s fluid dynamics plays a crucial role in hearing and balance functions. This Master’s thesis aims to develop a CFD model of the human inner ear, with a particular focus on the cochlea and the vestibular system, in order to analyze pressure distributions, velocity fields, and fluid transport phenomena under both physiological and pathological conditions such as in Meniere’s disease. Three-dimensional, anatomically realistic geometries of the inner ear will be reconstructed from computed tomography (CT) images and implemented to simulate the behavior of endolymphatic and perilymphatic fluids, assessing the influence of boundary conditions, tissue mechanical properties, and pressure variations on inner ear fluid dynamics.
The objective of this work is to provide a versatile computational framework for the study of inner ear fluid mechanics, contributing to a deeper understanding of physiological and pathological processes and supporting future applications such as local drug delivery strategies and the design of innovative therapeutic approaches or medical devices. This thesis will be conducted in collaboration with Policlinico di Milano Ospedale Maggiore Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda.