Advantages of Custom Anatomical Models

MRI and CT scans are currently the diagnostic basis for most complex surgeries. At BMI we use MRI and CT scan data to produce highly accurate, three-dimensional, life-sized medical models.

The use of accurate patient-specific anatomical data in our Biomodels and BioCAD can play critical roles in personalized medicine, the study of various pathological anatomies, and the development of medical devices.

Because human vision is stereographic and surgery is largely tactile, there are significant advantages of examining a three-dimensional model in your hands over viewing a two-dimensional rendering through a screen. BMI biomodels offer the advantages of three-dimensional visualization, a tactile interface, high measurement accuracy and precision and a platform for personalized medicine.

3D Visualization | A Tactile Interface | Measurement Precision | Personalized Medicine

Image showing Biomodel of neurovascular junction of conjoined twins.

_{Biomodel of conjoined twins neurovascular junction.}

3D Visualization

Computer displays require the viewer's imagination to infer the actual three-dimensional shape up from clues provided by calculated shadings of a two-dimensional view.

While an anatomically trained mind is excellent at correctly imagining the shape of normal structures from such 2D views, this may not be the case for pathological or abnormal anatomy. Biomodels provide anatomical data in the third-dimension, in a more accessible form that can be thoroughly examined and more concretely visualized.

_{Biomodel of mandible with cutting guide.}

A Tactile Interface

A surgeon's understanding of anatomy is largely tactile: it is developed through the experience of physically handling organs and tissues.

The combined visual and tactile input from examining a Biomodel gives a much deeper and more intuitive understanding of the patient's condition than viewing a computer screen. Surgical instruments identical to those used in the actual procedure can be employed on the biomodels to determine the most conservative strategy to reduce potential surgical complications and costs.

Image showing Biomodel with dental articulator.

_{Biomodel with articulator.}

Measurement Precision

Where precise measurements are required, these can often be performed better on the Biomodel than on raw scan data. The spatial resolution of the Biomodel fabrication process is higher than that of the best clinical CT or MRI scanners. Cubic interpolation is used to reduce noise and stair-stepping from scan data.

Complex and sensitive surgeries require extensive planning. In a surgery as delicate and involved as a cranial osteotomy, for example, the displacement of bone segments can be more accurately evaluated using a Biomodel.

Image showing Biomodel used to produce patient-specific orbital implant.

_{Biomodel used in patient-specific orbital implant production.}

Personalized Medicine

The use of Biomodels has enhanced the design and fabrication of prosthetic implants, improving and simplifying the process. Patient-specific models used as molds or templates allow for the production of personalized-fit implants.

Scientists and engineers can utilize Biomodels and BioCAD in the experimentation of subjects under study and the testing of medical devices on specific pathologies. Through anatomical engineering BMI can design and incorporate assembly features into the models, scale, mirror-image, and otherwise manipulate anatomical features as needed.

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