Holographic 3D modeling technology can be used to gain new insight into the realm of pre-birth fetal correction
Key Takeaways:
- 3D imaging technology allows surgeons to have a detailed study of the fetal organs inside the womb
- Holographic images have shown promising potential in aiding birth defect correction via surgery
- 3D technology is currently being used in hospitals to aid in corrective procedures in abnormal fetal conditions such as spina bifida
- The technology can also be applied to study any abnormality present in maternal organs such as the uterus and the fallopian tubes
There has always been a strong intent to use scientific advancements to improve healthcare facilities. The recent advances in 3D imaging technology have also shown great potential to modernize the way surgeries are approached.
CT scans and MRIs are essential for modern surgery. The information these images provide helps surgeons make better plans for operations. Today, 2D CT scans and MRIs can be translated into 3D models of patients of all ages – including fetuses — and that is helping surgeons understand their patients and their operations better than ever before.
Application of 3D technology in Spina Bifida cases
Pre-birth surgery on a fetus is never a simple procedure. Carrying out an operation on an unborn baby inside a womb can be unpredictable, and every bit of information helps the surgeon plan for the unexpected. The Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital has devised a solution that has yielded excellent results in fetal surgery.
The hospital is using ultrasound, MRI, and 3D printing to visualize physical 3D models that allow surgeons to practice prospective surgeries before going into the real OR. This allows them to better plan the operations, evaluate potential hassles, and reduce risks.
The 3D models have proven to be of great help in identifying fetuses suffering from spina bifida. The disease can cause babies several neurological problems, including being unable to walk.
Identification of the disease is only one benefit of the technology. Surgeons can also use the tech to practice the corrective surgery and make the actual surgery as close as possible to the ideal outcome – and in less time.
The 3D models can also be used to help parents understand the diagnosis and their surgical options. The 3D models make it easier for the surgeons to explain the whole surgical procedure in detail to the parents at the pre-operative stage, so they can give informed consent for the procedure with confidence.
The models can also be used to educate medical students. High-quality 3D models, physical or digital, give students almost a hands-on experience of conducting a spina bifida corrective surgery.
3D virtual reality models of unborn babies
The 3D technology is not limited to physical modeling only. The tech application also encompasses virtual reality images and holograms.
The Federal University of Rio da Janeiro has been able to bring virtual reality images of babies to both parents and doctors.
Parents can now see their babies’ physical structure inside out – literally. The virtual reality modeling enables the parents to not only view their child’s face and shape, but it goes to the extent to let them travel around his or her arteries. Parents can now know the complete anatomy of their child before birth and doctors can help them understand any physical ailments the unborn child may face.
Doctors and surgeons, with the help of the VR tech, can now easily check the 3D models for any fetal pathologies and suggest or implement suitable remedies.
The 3D virtual reality modeling technology can also be used to study maternal organs, such as the uterus and fallopian tubes. The organs can be checked for any abnormality through the VR model generated via ultrasound and MRI. Polyps and fibroma can be spotted by studying well-detailed VR imaging of the womb.
According to the developers of the 3D imaging technology, the tech has only been made possible by combining data obtained from ultrasound and MRI reports. The only hassle with the technology is the time it consumes because of the manual work required to assemble and clean the image data. But other technologies can make this work much, much faster.
Intravision XR
Intravision XR is a cloud-based 3D modeling tool that visualizes fully formed 3D models from images like MRIs and CT scans. This SaaS tool can even automate the 3D modeling process, so the holograms are formed with minimal human intervention. It can automatically extract data from CT scans and MRI reports to form accurate 3D models of the patient’s organs.
The models visualized by Intravision XR have complete anatomic detail. The histologic structures within the organ models are also viewable. The cloud-based technology also makes it easier to view the models through any device and share them with other experts around the world for consultation.
The automation of the model formation process saves a lot of time, and doctors and surgeons can have access to the models shortly after the images are uploaded. Model creation can be accomplished within 2 to 15 minutes depending upon the complexity, and there is no post-processing involved.
Whether surgeons are looking to have a VR model of a fetus or an organ, the results can be seen quickly with Intravision XR. There is no need for any after-effect production and no staff input is required.
To get further information about how Intravision XR works and what it could mean for your healthcare facility, contact DICOM Director today for a free consultation.
