Building generic anatomical models using virtual model cutting and iterative registration

Article deposited according to publisher policy posted on SHERPA/RoMEO, 30/07/2010.YesFunding provided by the Open Access Authors Fund

Three-dimensional anatomical atlas of the human body

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor in Information Management, specialization in Geographic Information SystemsAnatomical atlases allow mapping the anatomical structures of the human body. Early versions of these systems consisted of analogic representations with informative text and labelled images of the human body. With the advent of computer systems, digital versions emerged and the third dimension was introduced. Consequently, these systems increased their efficiency, allowing more realistic visualizations with improved interactivity. The development of anatomical atlases in geographic information systems (GIS) environments allows the development of platforms with a high degree of interactivity and with tools to explore and analyze the human body. In this thesis, a prototype for the human body representation is developed. The system includes a 3D GIS topological model, a graphical user interface and functions to explore and analyze the interior and the surface of the anatomical structures of the human body. The GIS approach relies essentially on the topological characteristics of the model and on the kind of available functions, which include measurement, identification, selection and analysis. With the incorporation of these functions, the final system has the ability to replicate the kind of information provided by the conventional anatomical atlases and also provides a higher level of functionality, since some of the atlases limitations are precisely features offered by GIS, namely, interactive capabilities, multilayer management, measurement tools, edition mode, allowing the expansion of the information contained in the system, and spatial analyzes

Registration of a Validated Mechanical Atlas of Middle Ear for Surgical Simulation

International audienceThis paper is centered on the development of a new train- ing and rehearsal simulation system for middle ear surgery. First, we have developed and validated a mechanical atlas based on finite element method of the human middle ear. The atlas is based on a microMRI. Its mechanical behavior computed in real-time has been successfully val- idated. In addition, we propose a method for the registration of the mechanical atlas on patient imagery. The simulation can be used for a rehearsal surgery with the geometrical anatomy of a given patient and with mechanical data that are validated. Moreover, this process does not necessitate a complete re-built of the model

The Production of Multiform Narratives in the Heterotopic Space of Technoscience: A Critical Instance Case Study of a Western Canadian Genomics Research Facility

Broadly speaking, this thesis explores the practices used by employees of a Western Canadian genomics research facility to build four-dimensional models of the human body; models which will be used to study genetic diseases. Usiiig actor-network theory as both a theoretical and methodological foundation, I consider the ways in which both the social (human) and the technical (nonhuman) actors that comprise the genomics research facility work together to construct these models. The work is divided into two sections. First, I investigate the setting of the genomics research facility. I argue that the genomics research facility constitutes a heterotopic site of cultural production. Second, I question what the genomics research facility produces. Ultimately I argue that by using fully immersive virtual environments, and building generic and extendible virtual models of the human body, employees at the genomics research facility are able to produce complex, multiform narratives of biological processes