Researchers at the research division of tobacco giant Philip Morris International (PMI) have developed computational models of the human lung based on CT scans to help diagnose respiratory disease and provide appropriate treatment for patients.
The Lausanne, Switzerland-based division's models are based on lung and body measurements taken from datasets derived from CT images of the respiratory system. Early results are promising and have been validated against previously published models and experimental data, according to PMI.
More specifically, the models are designed to predict how aerosols are inhaled, deposited on airway walls, and absorbed and cleared by lung physiology. The goal is to better understand the effects of inhaling airborne compounds, such as elements of air pollution and tobacco smoke, at both the individual and population levels.
