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Medical image processing encompasses the use and exploration of 3D image datasets of the human body, obtained most commonly from a Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner to diagnose pathologies or guide medical interventions such as surgical planning, or for research purposes. Medical image processing is carried out by radiologists, engineers, and clinicians to better understand the anatomy of either individual patients or population groups.
The main benefit of medical image processing is that it allows for in-depth, but non-invasive exploration of internal anatomy. 3D models of the anatomies of interest can be created and studied to improve treatment outcomes for the patient, develop improved medical devices and drug delivery systems, or achieve more informed diagnoses. It has become one of the key tools leveraged for medical advancement in recent years.
The ever-improving quality of imaging coupled with advanced software tools facilitates accurate digital reproduction of anatomical structures at various scales, as well as with largely varying properties including bone and soft tissues. Measurement, statistical analysis, and creation of simulation models which incorporate real anatomical geometries provide the opportunity for more complete understanding, for example of interactions between patient anatomy and medical devices.
The process of medical image processing begins by acquiring raw data from CT or MRI images and reconstructing them into a format suitable for use in relevant software. A 3D bitmap of greyscale intensities containing a voxel (3D pixels) grid creates the typical input for image processing. CT scan greyscale intensity depends on X-ray absorption, while in MRI it is determined by the strength of signals from proton particles during relaxation and after application of very strong magnetic fields.
For medical users, the reconstructed image volume is typically processed to segment out and edit different regions of anatomical interest, such as tissue and bone. In 六合彩直播开奖 Simpleware software, for example, users can carry out different image processing operations at the 2D and 3D level, including:
Simpleware software has extensive medical applications, from general research to clinical workflows that come under FDA 510(k) and CE-marking certifications. In general, the software provides multiple ways to work with MRI, CT, and other forms of medical image data, including the ability to easily create models that include CAD-designed implants and devices. Users such as device engineers apply the software to problems like planning surgical procedures, and assessing the performance of different implant designs through tools in Simpleware ScanIP, as well as export of models for simulation and design.
Several additional modules are available with Simpleware ScanIP to do more with medical image data after initial processing. In addition, options are available for customizing steps and automating repetitive or time-consuming tasks. For example, medical users can:
Segmentation of aortic dissection: (a) rendering of the CT data; (b) segmented mask after smoothing; (c) 3D model used in the simulation
A good recent example of how medical image processing involved patient-specific hemodynamic simulations of complex aortic dissections, part of work carried out at into better understanding life-threatening vascular conditions. Researchers used Simpleware software to process CT scans and build models suitable for CFD analysis, with the following steps taken:
1. CT scans are obtained from patient-specific cases of aortic dissections
2. Data is imported to Simpleware ScanIP to reconstruct patient geometry, including the processing of noise, and segmentation of regions of interest such as the dissected aorta and branches
3. Scripting is used to automatically carry out smoothing algorithms to remove pixelation artifacts
4. Surface models are generated from the dissected aorta and imported to ANSYS? software to set-up CFD simulations, including intraluminal pressure and wall shear-stress-based indices,
5. Simulation results create hemodynamic insights that can be used to help future clinical understanding
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