A Novel Method of Anatomical Data Acquisition Using the Perceptron ScanWorks V5 Scanner

A drastic reduction in the time available for cadaveric dissection and anatomy teaching in medical and surgical education has increased the requirement to supplement learning with the use of virtual gross anatomy training tools. In light of this, a number of known studies have approached the task of sourcing anatomical data from cadaveric material for end us in creating 3D reconstructions of the human body by producing vast image libraries of anatomical cross sections. However, the processing involved in the conversion of cross sectional images to reconstructions in 3D elicits a number of problems in creating an accurate and adequately detailed end product, suitable for educational. In this paperwe have employed a unique approach in a pilot study acquire anatomical data for end-use in 3D anatomical reconstruction by using topographical 3D laser scanning and high-resolution digital photography of all clinically relevant structures from the lower limb of a male cadaveric specimen. As a result a comprehensive high-resolution dataset, comprising 3D laser scanned data and corresponding colour photography was obtained from all clinically relevant gross anatomical structures associated with the male lower limb. This unique dataset allows a very unique and novel way to capture anatomical data and saves on the laborious processing of image segmentation common to conventional image acquisition used clinically, like CT and MRI scans. From this, it provides a dataset which can then be used across a number of commercial products dependent on the end-users requirements for development of computer training packages in medical and surgical rehearsal

A Novel Method of Anatomical Data Acquisition Using the Perceptron ScanWorks V5 Scanner

A drastic reduction in the time available for cadaveric dissection and anatomy teaching in medical and surgical education has increased the requirement to supplement learning with the use of virtual gross anatomy training tools. In light of this, a number of known studies have approached the task of sourcing anatomical data from cadaveric material for end us in creating 3D reconstructions of the human body by producing vast image libraries of anatomical cross sections. However, the processing involved in the conversion of cross sectional images to reconstructions in 3D elicits a number of problems in creating an accurate and adequately detailed end product, suitable for educational. In this paperwe have employed a unique approach in a pilot study acquire anatomical data for end-use in 3D anatomical reconstruction by using topographical 3D laser scanning and high-resolution digital photography of all clinically relevant structures from the lower limb of a male cadaveric specimen. As a result a comprehensive high-resolution dataset, comprising 3D laser scanned data and corresponding colour photography was obtained from all clinically relevant gross anatomical structures associated with the male lower limb. This unique dataset allows a very unique and novel way to capture anatomical data and saves on the laborious processing of image segmentation common to conventional image acquisition used clinically, like CT and MRI scans. From this, it provides a dataset which can then be used across a number of commercial products dependent on the end-users requirements for development of computer training packages in medical and surgical rehearsal

Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Thoracic Structures: Based on Chinese Visible Human

We managed to establish three-dimensional digitized visible model of human thoracic structures and to provide morphological data for imaging diagnosis and thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. With Photoshop software, the contour line of lungs and mediastinal structures including heart, aorta and its ramus, azygos vein, superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, thymus, esophagus, diaphragm, phrenic nerve, vagus nerve, sympathetic trunk, thoracic vertebrae, sternum, thoracic duct, and so forth were segmented from the Chinese Visible Human (CVH)-1 data set. The contour data set of segmented thoracic structures was imported to Amira software and 3D thorax models were reconstructed via surface rendering and volume rendering. With Amira software, surface rendering reconstructed model of thoracic organs and its volume rendering reconstructed model were 3D reconstructed and can be displayed together clearly and accurately. It provides a learning tool of interpreting human thoracic anatomy and virtual thoracic and cardiovascular surgery for medical students and junior surgeons

A novel method of cadaveric data acquisition from a dissection of the male lower limb using the Perceptron ScanWorks® V5 scanner

Introduction: Under the current pressures of an expanding medical curriculum, the time allocated to anatomical training in medical education has been greatly reduced, resulting in an increasing number of doctors qualifying from medical school with an inadequate, and arguably unsafe level of anatomical understanding. Given the limited time now available for cadaveric dissection in medical training, future rectification of these deficits is becoming heavily dependent on supplementation from virtual anatomical training tools. In light of this, many attempts have been made to acquire cadaveric data for the creation of realistic virtual specimens. Until now however, the educational value of these training tools has been heavily scrutinised, with many sharing the view that they are over simplified and anatomically inaccurate. The main problems associated with the usability of pre-existing datasets arise primarily as a result of the methodology used to acquire their cadaveric data. Projects in this field have previously approached the task of cadaveric data acquisition by creating comprehensive libraries of anatomical cross-sections, from which three-dimensional processing can be technically difficult and not always successful for the reconstruction of fine or complex anatomical structures. Aim: The aim of this study therefore was to approach cadaveric data acquisition, for the purpose of creating a digital cadaveric specimen, in an unconventional manner, by obtaining three-dimensional data directly from cadaveric tissues with a Perceptron ScanWorksV5 non-contact laser scanner. Methods: To do this, a carefully planned dissection of the lower limb was performed on a 68 year old male cadaver, and laser scanning of all clinically relevant structures was undertaken at sequential stages throughout. In addition to this, colour and texture information was collected from the cadaveric tissues by high-resolution digital photography. Results: A comprehensive three-dimensional dataset was acquired from all clinically relevant anatomy of the lower limb as a result of the methodology used in this study. Data was obtained at extremely high point to point resolutions, with a measurement accuracy of 24μm, 2σ. Discussion: By obtaining cadaveric data in this way, the problems associated with the three-dimensional processing of conventional cross-sectional data, such as image segmentation, are largely overcome and fine anatomical details can be accurately documented with high precision. This data can be processed further to create an accurate and realistic virtual reconstruction of the lower limb for both three-dimensional anatomical training and surgical rehearsal in the future. Conclusion: Whilst the value of cross-sectional datasets in their own right should not be disputed, the methodology used for cadaveric data acquisition in this study has proved a very successful in collecting three-dimensional data directly form the specimen, and could be used to acquire detailed datasets for the reconstruction of other complex body regions for virtual anatomical training in the future

Segmentation and surface reconstruction of a cadaver heart on Mimics software

The Visible Korean research team used Mimics software (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium) for the segmentation and subsequent surface reconstruction of heart structures using information obtained from sectioned images of a cadaver. Twenty-six heart components were outlined in advance on Photoshop (Adobe Systems, San Jose, CA, USA). By use of the Mimics, the outlined images were then browsed along with the vertical planes as well as the 3-dimensional surface models, which were immediately built by piling the images. Erroneous delineation was readily detected and revised until satisfactory heart models were acquired. The surface models and the selected sectioned images in horizontal, coronal, and sagittal planes were inputted into a PDF file, where any combinations of reconstructed constituents could be displayed and rotated by the user. Mimics software accelerated the segmentation and surface reconstruction of heart anatomical structures. Similar benefits hopefully result from various serial images of other organs. The PDF file, and plane and stereoscopic image data are being distributed to others, and should prove valuable for medical students and clinicians.

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

Development of Human Body CAD Models and Related Mesh Processing Algorithms with Applications in Bioelectromagnetics

Simulation of the electromagnetic response of the human body relies heavily upon efficient computational CAD models or phantoms. The Visible Human Project (VHP)-Female v. 3.1 - a new platform-independent full-body electromagnetic computational model is revealed. This is a part of a significant international initiative to develop powerful computational models representing the human body. This model’s unique feature is full compatibility both with MATLAB and specialized FEM computational software packages such as ANSYS HFSS/Maxwell 3D and CST MWS. Various mesh processing algorithms such as automatic intersection resolver, Boolean operation on meshes, etc. used for the development of the Visible Human Project (VHP)-Female are presented. The VHP - Female CAD Model is applied to two specific low frequency applications: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). TMS and tDCS are increasingly used as diagnostic and therapeutic tools for numerous neuropsychiatric disorders. The development of a CAD model based on an existing voxel model of a Japanese pregnant woman is also presented. TMS for treatment of depression is an appealing alternative to drugs which are teratogenic for pregnant women. This CAD model was used to study fetal wellbeing during induced peak currents by TMS in two possible scenarios: (i) pregnant woman as a patient; and (ii) pregnant woman as an operator. An insight into future work and potential areas of research such as a deformable phantom, implants, and RF applications will be presented

Die Dünnschnittplastination

Plastinerte Körperscheiben haben eine höhere Auflösung als gefrorenes Gewebe, etwa der Abbildungen des "Visible Human Project", weil Kunststoffe, welche die Körperscheibe durchtränken, hohe Transparenz und damit optische Auflösung ermöglichen. Die optische Auflösung der plastinierten Körperscheibe hängt von seiner Dicke ab. Gewöhnliche Körperscheiben waren bisher minimal 1,6 mm dick. Eine neue Plastinationstechnik wird dargestellt, die es ermöglicht, 800 µm dünne Körperscheiben aus gefrorenem Gewebe herzustellen, welches zuvor mit MRT/CT untersucht wurde, und die entstandenen Bilder mit den Dünnschnittplastinaten (DSP) zu korrelieren. Die Korrelation der DSP zu den korrelierenden MRT- oder CT-Bildern ermöglicht die Standardisierung, wie sich feine Strukturen am MRT/CT unter gegebenen Einstellungen abbilden, weil die Untersuchung an frischem Material durchgeführt wurde