3D anatomical models as the term imply give us a digital view of human anatomy. Depending upon the software’s capabilities, you may be able to augment your view of the anatomy of various parts of the body. Typically, it is the use of CT or MRI scans that aids the development of 3D images.
Then these images are leveraged using software, allowing the development of anatomically correct 3D models. The growth in the development of such models has also resulted in more participation of 3D medical animation companies.
3D anatomical models are proving to be revolutionary when it comes to optimizing surgical procedures. And, that’s what this blog will discuss today.
In the following sections, you’ll learn about;
So, let’s dive right in!
What is a 3D anatomical model?
3D anatomical models as the term imply give us a digital view of human anatomy. Depending upon the software’s capabilities, you may be able to augment your view of the anatomy of various parts of the body.
Typically, it is the use of CT or MRI scans that aids the development of 3D images.
Patient-specific 3D anatomical models
As the term implies, these are 3D anatomical models that doctors or healthcare professionals may be able to reap with specific patient data. Using MRI or CT scan images of a patient would allow clinicians to develop patient-specific anatomical models with an augmented 3D view. These 3D models that are patient-specific not only augment the perspective of clinicians but also provide useful insight for treatment.
For surgeons, a 3D anatomical model would provide for better surgical planning, minimizing the chance of error. And, more importantly, it would maximize the best outcomes from the treatment for the patient. In addition to this, 3D anatomical models are also being used in R&D, particularly product development.
These categories include products that may interact with the anatomy in general. Doctors or researchers may use generic models. These would include average anatomy or models from a general population.
Experiments may be performed to understand the efficiency, performance, and safety of the product in a better way.
What problems can it solve?
Accurate instances of 3D anatomical models would provide you with valuable insight into the patient’s anatomy. You would be able to gain information that is completely new to you regarding the patient’s anatomical pathology.
What makes it a really interesting development is that clinicians can deploy these models to explore critical patient cases without the need for deploying invasive surgery procedures.
The accuracy of such 3D anatomical models also allows you to design effective treatment plans in a virtual environment. This can be a smart thing to do as you can test your treatment plans virtually, before deploying them for the real case.
Another benefit that 3D anatomical models may provide you is the ability to perceive how medical devices and implants would affect the patient-specific anatomy. Such simulations could help you to evaluate the impact of treatment beforehand, and make an important call to halt the procedure when it deems necessary.
It would allow you to develop surgical guides and bespoke implants.
Such models would reduce the complexity of the surgery, and time as well as minimize the risk. In short, it would help you to achieve the best possible outcomes for the patient.
How does it solve problems?
Now that we know what kind of problems we can solve with the use of software-developed 3D anatomical models, let’s learn how it happens. Firstly, clinicians would develop patient-specific models. How do they do it?
3D image data. Data that they can retrieve from MRI and CT scans.
Now, we already know that MRI and CT scans are frequently used in clinical settings to understand and monitor the pathologies of a patient. CT scan or MRI may be performed on anatomies of interest. Once these images are developed. These can be augmented with 3D imaging software versions available on the market.
Once you have the images, you can import these into this software to generate a 3D augmented version. Thus, you can use these augmented images to develop a comprehensive 3D model for the anatomy of your interest. The process of developing a 3D model of the human body would involve segmenting areas of interest and visualizing these in a 3D perspective with far more accuracy than what we had with plain images obtained with simple MRI and CT scans.
Lastly, you can gain amazing benefits with a virtual perspective of a 3D model. It would not only help surgeons to plan and predict patient-specific outcomes but reduce surgical costs significantly.
There are lots of AI-driven segmentation solutions currently available on the market.
This software allows you to reduce processing time for models in orthopedic and cardiological procedures, thus reducing decision-making time for the clinician significantly.
Case study: How patient-specific 3D anatomical models work?
Keeping our discussion relevant, Corin Group is a fine case study.
Clinicians at the Corin Group used AI-powered solutions to generate anatomical models to understand the motion profiles of individual patients. They sought to profile these patients before performing hip surgery. And, for that, the software helped create 3D animations.
Though these software solutions may be costly, they might be less costly than producing 3D animations on your own. So, in comparison to 3D animation cost per minute, you would be able to save a great deal of money.
The execution of the process involves using patient-specific CT data and segmentation to generate 3D image data for evaluating possible implants and surgeries.
Using the AI-powered 3D model generator, clinicians were able to speed up the entire workflow significantly. They were able to automate most of the manual and semi-automated procedures.
An outline of the 3d anatomical modeling workflow that was achieved using the software looks like this;
- Firstly, the clinicians perform CT scans to generate 3D images of patients’ hip bones.
- Next, they imported these 3D files into the software for segmentation of the hip’s anatomy. This would provide them with an augmented and more accurate view of the anatomies of interest.
- Next, after having patient-specific anatomical models, enhanced to simulate the best possible outcomes for the patient, surgery guides were developed.
- Lastly, the clinicians utilized 3D printers to manufacture guides for surgeons.
3D anatomical models: Use for R&D
For application in R&D, you already have a range of human body 3D models. These can be taken as an off-the-shelf solution to initiate product development.
More importantly, these pre-made anatomical models also offer a degree of customization. Companies who want to explore models can consider these pre-developed anatomical models as a more economical option.
They won’t just save time, but also a good load of investment.
Suitable product portfolio
Most of the software solutions available in this category offer a range of anatomical models that you can leverage to produce your medical products. Most of these have detailed head models, which can come in handy to minimize difficulties and gain control and manage the intricate procedures involved in neurological treatments with great ease and confidence.
Previously, we only had detailed head models. But, now you can also benefit from a range of full-body models.
And, if you’re concerned about different BMIs, and ages, then no look no further. You can generate high-quality scans for specific patients and generate bespoke anatomical models as per your case-specific requirements.
Some of the finest applications of 3D anatomical models in products include devices that would aid in patient-specific implants.
More importantly, sports companies leverage 3D anatomical models to design footwear for individual customers.
Case study: 3D anatomical model for R&D
Another institute that leveraged the potential of 3D anatomical models specifically for application in R&D is the City College of New York (CCNY). They leveraged these models to develop medical devices for treating various neurological conditions. They used AI-powered 3D anatomical software to develop a highly detailed head model.
The model was quite accurate and could be used for CAD, FEA as well as 3D printing. Interestingly, the developed model was quite accurate and offers flexibility.
It can be adapted for multiple applications, making it a valuable resource for treating problems related to the head and brain.
Final thoughts
Let’s wrap it up. 3D modeling is even though nothing fancy in 2023, its application across the medical field, makes it seriously valuable. Particularly, when it is applied to producing surgical guides.
Above, we covered 3d anatomical models and how these may be leveraged to improve surgical procedures and optimize the decision-making process.
Leveraging these models, the right way will even though it necessitates huge investment, companies, and organizations can reach out to software solution providers who have pre-made anatomical models for the human body.
And, offer a certain degree of customization.
FAQs
How do 3D anatomical models for R&D work?
3D anatomical models for R&D benefit researchers’ work significantly. These can be developed in a range of formats, depending on the needs of the end user.
For instance, for CAD design work, you can generate CAD-friendly NURBS format.
Also read: How to Get a Private Face-to-Face GP Appointment in The UK
