The Accuracy of 3D Optical Reconstruction and Additive Manufacturing Processes in Reproducing Detailed Subject-Specific Anatomy

Abstract

3D reconstruction and 3D printing of subject-specific anatomy is a promising technology for supporting clinicians in the visualisation of disease progression and planning for surgical intervention. In this context, the 3D model is typically obtained from segmentation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or echocardiography images. Although these modalities allow imaging of the tissues in vivo, assessment of quality of the reconstruction is limited by the lack of a reference geometry as the subject-specific anatomy is unknown prior to image acquisition. In this work, an optical method based on 3D digital image correlation (3D-DIC) techniques is used to reconstruct the shape of the surface of an ex vivo porcine heart. This technique requires two digital charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras to provide full-field shape measurements and to generate a standard tessellation language (STL) file of the sample surface. The aim of this work was to quantify the error of 3D-DIC shape measurements using the additive manufacturing process. The limitations of 3D printed object resolution, the discrepancy in reconstruction of the surface of cardiac soft tissue and a 3D printed model of the same surface were evaluated. The results obtained demonstrated the ability of the 3D-DIC technique to reconstruct localised and detailed features on the cardiac surface with sub-millimeter accuracy.

Comparative Analysis of Object Digitization Techniques Applied to the Characterization of Deformed Materials in Ballistic Tests

“…Given the wide variety of digitization techniques available, optimal results can be achieved with the application of digitization techniques and appropriate instruments for different applications, such as the survey of geodesic and forest canopy information [ 15 ]; the preservation of historical heritage [ 16 , 17 ]; anthropometric measurements [ 18 ]; and applications related to medicine, where it is possible to digitize organs and structures using computed tomography and magnetic resonance, allowing subsequent manipulation by doctors and surgeons to plan and execute surgical procedures [ 9 ].…”

“…Examples of conventional scanning techniques include those that use 3D scanners, such as the FARO 3D Objects Scanner [ 8 ], widely used in digitizing models and for acquiring spatial information about objects—as well as the 3D reconstruction technique using stereo images. The 3D reconstruction by stereo images is the most viable technique from the economic and implementation points of view, and is commonly applied in areas related to computer vision [ 9 ]. In addition, the 3D reconstruction technique by stereo images constitutes an important part of other more complex techniques, such as the Digital Image Correlation (DIC), whose digitization process is carried out in successive moments, making it possible to map the evolution of the object of interest over time [ 7 ].…”

Development of a Convolutional Neural Network Based Skull Segmentation in MRI Using Standard Tesselation Language Models

“…Minnema et al [25] displayed a high overlap with gold standard segmentation by introducing a CNN for skull segmentation in CT scans. In the image processing step, a 3D surface model, which represents the label, was created in the standard tessellation language (STL) file format, a well-established method to represent 3D models [26][27][28][29]. To convert the files from CT to STL, segmentation of a high-quality gold standard STL model was performed manually by an experienced medical engineer.…”

Thin Films Deposition of Ta2O5 and ZnO by E-Gun Technology on Co-Cr Alloy Manufactured by Direct Metal Laser Sintering

“…Direct metal laser sintering technology can be used not only in medicine, but also in aerospace, aeronautics, automotive, and electronic industrial domains. In medicine, the DMLS process is successfully used for manufacturing dental restorations, such as dental crowns, bridges, and chapels [11][12][13][14][15][16]. The Co-Cr alloy powder used in the DMLS process presents good engineering properties as well as good corrosion resistance [17,18].…”