Abstract
Summary Rapid 3D-Prototyping is an established technique that converts digital image data of any 3D structure to a physical 3D model. It has been used for a long time in industry for making prototypes of any new products. The state-of-the-art medical imaging facilities such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (and possibly echocardiography in the future) provide precise digital information of the cardiovascular structures of the human body. The digital information can be used for production of multiple replicas of the human body parts with solid or flexible materials. Virtual visualization of 3D information in the computer screen has revolutionized medical imaging in the last 10-20 years. Although virtual visualization facilitates understanding, it does not allow direct contact or manipulation on the physical model. 3D prototyping of the replicas certainly allows direct visual access to the physical structures and more importantly direct physical manipulation such as practice surgery on the replica of the structure to be operated. The models are excellent teaching materials to all involved in cardiac imaging or surgery. Production of 3D prototypes of various pat hologic conditions is even more important as there has been increasing restrictions to keeping human body parts for teaching as well as clinical purposes and pathologic specimens are available only when they are removed at surgery or at autopsy. Background Rapid 3D-Prototyping is an established technique that converts digital image data of any 3D structure to a physical 3D model. It has been used for a long time in industry for making prototypes of any new products. Methods The state-of-the-art medical imaging facilities such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (and possibly echocardiography in the future) provide precise digital information of the cardiovascular structures of the human body. The digital information can be used for production of multiple replicas of the human body parts with solid or flexible materials. Results
Highlights
Summary Rapid 3D-Prototyping is an established technique that converts digital image data of any 3D structure to a physical 3D model. It has been used for a long time in industry for making prototypes of any new products
The digital information can be used for production of multiple replicas of the human body parts with solid or flexible materials
Virtual visualization facilitates understanding, it does not allow direct contact or manipulation on the physical model. 3D prototyping of the replicas certainly allows direct visual access to the physical structures and more importantly direct physical manipulation such as practice surgery on the replica of the structure to be operated
Summary
Summary Rapid 3D-Prototyping is an established technique that converts digital image data of any 3D structure to a physical 3D model. It has been used for a long time in industry for making prototypes of any new products. The digital information can be used for production of multiple replicas of the human body parts with solid or flexible materials. Production of 3D prototypes of various pathologic conditions is even more important as there has been increasing restrictions to keeping human body parts for teaching as well as clinical purposes and pathologic specimens are available only when they are removed at surgery or at autopsy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
