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Biomedical subjects

T Schiemann

Publications and source records attributed to T Schiemann.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Applications and perspectives in anatomical 3-dimensional modelling of the visible human with VOXEL-MAN.

Up to now computerized interactive 3-dimensional (3D) atlases of human anatomy have been based on radiological data or artificial geometric models as spatial descriptions of morphological structures. Besides the obvious advantages of this data (e.g. already in digital format, geometrical correctness) the lack of high resolution anatomical slices of larger regions of the human body has prevented the use of more realistic anatomical data so far. Now, the Visible Human Project offers high quality anatomical slices of complete cadavers. Therefore, on the one hand, new opportunities for realistic virtual 3D models of anatomy are open. On the other hand, just the major advantages of the visible human data (e.g. realistic colors and textures, high resolution) result in new demands on the image processing and visualization techniques. This paper describes experience, solutions and results with a volume-based approach for building realistic anatomical 3D models.

Anatomy, Cross-Sectional

[New kinds of 3-dimensional atlases of the anatomy and function of the human body].

It is a drawback of classical multimedia programs for the visualization of spatial knowledge, that they are based on a limited number of predefined views. This paper describes a model that combines pictorial and symbolic knowledge about spatial structures in a way that allows arbitrary views of the scene and the interrogation of the model in the context of the actual view. The style of the pictorial presentation only depends on the objective and the phantasy of the user. The functionality of the approach is demonstrated with the example of the human head. It is furthermore shown that the model potentially allows the simulation or generation of all classical visual teaching aids for anatomy.

Anatomy, Artistic

A new method for practicing exploration, dissection, and simulation with a complete computerized three-dimensional model of the brain and skull.

In current practice, anatomical atlases are based on a collection of planar images presented in a book or, recently, stored on digital media. We present a new kind of interactive true three-dimensional (3D) anatomical atlases based on a volume model derived from MRI and CT. The model has a two-layer structure. The lower level is a volume model with a set of semantic attributes connected to each voxel. The semantic attributes are assigned by an anatomist using a volume editor. THe upper level represents a set of relations between these attributes. Interactive visualization tools such as multiple surface display, preparation of transparent material and cutting are provided. It is shown that the combination of this model with advanced tools for volume visualization provides the 'look and feel' of real dissection. The system therefore represents a bridge between real dissection of a cadaver and textbooks and classical atlases of anatomy. First tests have shown that the atlas system may be used successfully for teaching anatomy, but also as a reference for radiologists or surgeons. The powerful underlying data structure potentially includes all classical visual teaching aids. As a replacement of classical atlases, however, spatial resolution has still to be improved.

Anatomy

Consideration of time-dose-patterns in 3D treatment planning. An approach towards 4D treatment planning.

PURPOSE: The rendering of the 3D dose distribution together with anatomical information and the volumes of interest (VoI) is essential to get a visual impression of the treatment plan and to find modifications for the optimization of the dose distribution. The integration of biological effects into the 3D treatment planning is of interest for the assessment of different time-dose patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One way of taking into account biological data is to relate the physical dose in critical structures to the corresponding tolerance dose. For that purpose the applied time-dose pattern has to be converted into the standard fractionation scheme being the basis of the tolerance dose. Generally any model can be used for these calculations. Here a modified incomplete repair model is used to calculate the relative biological dose distribution (RBD). The visualization of these biologically isoeffective dose distributions can be performed in the same manner as the physical dose so that the physical and biological dose distributions can by displayed side by side. As this is equivalent to introducing the time as a fourth dimension into 3D treatment planning this is called 4D treatment planning. RESULTS: From 3D dose matrices the biologically isoeffective dose distributions are calculated for the organs at risk. The changes introduced by different time-dose patterns are displayed using the same technique as for rendering 3D treatment plans. The visualisation of the three-dimensional biological dose distributions is shown by means of a patient with an oesophagus carcinoma. The RBD related to the tolerance dose of the organs at risk is displayed for different time-dose fractionations. CONCLUSION: The RBD distribution on a 3D treatment plan can be displayed in the same mode as the physical dose distribution. This offers additionally valuable information in a 3D treatment planning process about the dose to critical organs and the influence of different time-dose patterns.

Color

Visualization of 3-D treatment plans with fast neutrons.

The treatment planning for radiotherapy with fast neutrons requires modifications of the planning systems used for photons. The neutron- and photon-component of the treatment fields must be determined and can then be used for separate calculations. The corrections for inhomogeneities are performed by use of attenuation coefficients and the corresponding corrections for changes in the kerma. The treatment planning system MEVAPLAN (Siemens) was modified to follow these requirements. Thus treatment planning for 14 MeV DT-neutrons could be performed. The multiplanar option is used to calculate 3D-dose distributions based on up to 40 serial CT slices. The generated three-dimensional dose matrix and the CT data are transferred via magnetic tape to the visualization system VOXEL-MAN developed at the University Hospital of Hamburg. This system uses a ray casting algorithm based on the generalized Voxel-model to display detailed 3D-images of human anatomy together with the calculated dose distribution. Different treatment plans for neutrons and photons are calculated and visualized. Various manipulations of the data-sets are displayed to improve the critical examination of the simulated dose distribution and to discern the quality of treatment techniques.

Fast Neutrons

[3-D visualization of dose distributions in CT image volumes].

The 3D-visualization of the entire spatial radiation dosage in cooperation with the 3D-radiation volume requires several data volumes. The structure of the interface between the 3D-treatment planning program "ProPlan" and the 3D-imaging system "VOXEL-MAN" is explained. The first results in the radiological application point out the possibilities of the complex registration of dose distributions and the critical examination of the irradiation technique.

Female

A computerized three-dimensional atlas of the human skull and brain.

PURPOSE: To develop an anatomic atlas of the human head based on a volume model derived from MR and CT. METHODS: Every voxel of this model was labeled by a neuroanatomist concerning its membership to a structural and/or functional region. A computer program was written that, instead of displaying precomputed images, allows the user to choose and compose arbitrary views. RESULTS: The user can subtract parts and ask for annotations just by using the mouse. Conversely, one can compose images by choosing objects from the list of anatomical constituents which is displayed on the screen. A set of dissection tools allows a "look and feel" that comes near to a true dissection. Operations that are not possible in a real dissection, such as reassembly or filling cavities, can be performed. CONCLUSION: The authors have developed a computerized model that can be used for anatomy teaching and also as a reference for radiologists or surgeons. To replace classical atlases, the spatial resolution must be improved and speed must approach real time. Functional imaging data (position emission tomography and single photon emission CT) can be added to the system. The system is mobile and can be situated in classrooms, operating rooms, reading rooms, and libraries.

Brain

A new method for representing the human anatomy.

In current practice, anatomical atlases are based on a collection of planar images presented in a book or, recently, stored on digital media. We present a new method for generating interactive true three-dimensional (3D) anatomical atlases based on a volume model derived from MRI and CT. The model has a two layer structure. The lower level is a volume model with a set of semantic attributes connected to each voxel. The semantic attributes are assigned by an anatomist using a volume editor. The upper level is a set of relations between these attributes. Interactive visualization tools such as multiple surface display, transparent rendering, and cutting are provided. It is shown that the combination of this data structure with advanced volume visualization tools provides the "look and feel" of real dissection. First tests show that the atlas system cannot only be used successfully for anatomy teaching, but also as a reference for radiologists or surgeons. As a replacement of classical atlases, however, the spatial resolution has still to be improved.

Anatomy