3D Technology in Medicine
Medical visualisation uses computers to create 3D images from medical imaging data sets. This is a relatively new field of science, but despite its youth, the technology has already revolutionised medicine. Much of modern medicine relies on 3D imaging made possible with magnetic resonance imaging scanners and computed tomography (CT) scanners, which make 3D images out of 2D slices. Almost all surgery and cancer treatment in the developed world now relies on this. While medicine has taken advantage of 3D imaging techniques, physicians have remained largely sceptical. This may be about to change, according to the findings of a new study, which shows that even experienced surgeons stand to benefit from the third dimension. The study, from the Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich Hertz Institute HHI and Klinikum rechts der Isar university hospital in Munich, suggests that thanks to improved 3D-glasses and screens, practical tests have demonstrated medical benefits that were once believed to be purely theoretical. Researchers showed that even experienced physicians could benefit from the latest generation of 3D devices. "In the past, doctors were hesitant to use the technology precisely because of the glasses," says Dr. Ulrich Leiner, head of the Interactive Media - Human Factors department at HHI. In tests conducted over the course of the study, some 50 surgeons responded positively to 3D systems both with and without glasses. "While the technology still requires some fine-tuning, technology that does without the need to wear special glasses will increase the popularity of 3D systems in operating rooms," he said. The study was conducted following recent developments in 3D screen technology. 4K models for medical applications that offer quad HD resolution are already available. "The next step is ultra-high definition with 8K. This will mark a sixteen-fold improvement on the resolution of currently available full-HD images," says Michael Witte of HHI in explaining current trends. Mr. Witte is convinced that 3D without glasses will contribute to a lasting breakthrough. "This is why researchers thought it was high time to carry out a scientific test that would assess whether 3D technology has reached the level of maturity required of sensitive hospital applications," he says. They invited surgeons at Klinikum rechts der Isar's surgical hospital to test the latest generation of 3D devices. Surgeons participating in the test tried a total of four different screen systems: 2D, 3D with and without glasses, and a mirror apparatus that served as the "ideal" 3D model. Images were delivered by endoscopic cameras that the doctors used during a simulated routine surgical procedure. Using a needle and thread, the physicians sewed up a wound with ten stitches in a model abdominal cavity. Just as would be the case in a minimally invasive surgical procedure, surgeons did not have a direct view of their hands, and depended on the screen. "The results were astonishing: with the glasses-based 3D system, the procedure was more than 15 percent shorter, and precision increased considerably. Hand movements were more targeted than with the 2D model. As far as I know, we have not observed this effect among our experienced surgeons in the past," says Professor Hubertus Feußner in describing the test winner. The surgeon, who has worked at Klinikum rechts der Isar for over 30 years, has conducted several thousand operations. "In the past, it was the most experienced physicians in particular who were very skeptical of 3D technology. And this was not only because it hardly offered any tangible benefits. Many physicians felt uncomfortable looking at the screens, and preferred to rely on their experience as a result," says PD Dr. Silvano Reiser, Feußner's colleague. The model without glasses also made a positive impression: test participants considered its quality as comparable to 2D. "Unfortunately, the system we developed was unable to take the first place ranking. But the first 'hard' practical medical test showed great promise, as we were able to work on the fundamental eye-tracking technology. This is where, through eye-tracking, cameras follow both eyes, and each eye sees a separate image. This creates a 3D effect without glasses," Leiner says. Both researchers see a bright future for 3D: "The study demonstrated that 3D has become an option for surgeons as well. This will revive the discussion among skeptics. And now there is a need for tests in other medical disciplines." Undoubtedly, the introduction of new technologies in surgical therapy has changed traditional intraoperative procedures, especially in terms of visual information available for the surgical team. The direct view of the operating table is slowly being replaced by indirect visual information on the basis of optical systems and displays. This will ultimately lead to faster non-invasive procedures that will allow patients to recover faster.For more information, please visit: Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute HHIhttp://www.fraunhofer.de/en/press/research-news/2013/march/new-opportunities-for-3D-technology-in-medicine.html
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