Introduction to 3D Technology in Healthcare
The use of 3D technology is revolutionizing the sphere of healthcare, particularly in the realm of liver transplants and surgery. Researchers on the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) are working on a project that utilizes 3D technology to visualise planning for liver transplants and surgery. Led by Jesse Courtier, MD, associate professor of clinical pediatric radiology, the project goals to develop an imaging application for Microsoft HoloLens, a self-contained holographic computer.
What is RadHA?
The software application, called "RadHA" or Radiology with Holographic Augmentation, allows users to display 3D medical images superimposed on a real-world background. This technology enables radiologists to visualise human anatomy in layers and distinct colours, making it easier to know complex medical conditions. For example, with RadHA, the complete liver appears white, the arteries appear red, the hepatic veins appear blue, the portal vein appears orange, and the tumor appears purple.
How Does it Work?
The application works through the use of a clickable 3D holograph of a CT scan from a patient with a liver mass. By viewing the liver’s tumor from all angles, physicians can have a greater understanding of the tumor’s location, making it easier to make informed decisions about treatment options. The video demonstration of RadHA shows how the appliance might be used to visualise complex medical conditions in a more interactive and immersive way.
3D Applications in Healthcare
3D applications have gotten increasingly popular in healthcare, and UCSF Imaging is on the forefront of this technology. The 3DHEALS 2017 Global Conference, held on the Mission Bay Conference Center at UCSF, brought together technologists and healthcare providers to create progressive healthcare products using 3D printing. UCSF Radiology was represented on the event, with several speakers and exhibitors showcasing their work in the sphere.
Innovators in Radiology
Several innovators in the sphere of radiology are working on 3D applications, including Judy Yee, MD, who has developed virtual holography CT colonography (CTC). This technology takes data from CT and MRI scans and transforms it into 3D holographic images using 3D glasses, a laser stylus, and a special display. Dr. Courtier’s work on RadHA can be being supported by the UCSF QB3 entrepreneurship program, which provides assistance to entrepreneurs and innovators in the sphere of healthcare.
Conclusion
The use of 3D technology in healthcare is revolutionizing the way in which medical professionals diagnose and treat complex conditions. With applications like RadHA, radiologists can visualize human anatomy in a more interactive and immersive way, making it easier to know complex medical conditions. As 3D technology continues to evolve, we are able to expect to see much more progressive applications in the sphere of healthcare. The work of innovators like Dr. Courtier and Dr. Yee is paving the way in which for a brand new era in medical imaging, and it’s going to be exciting to see the impact that this technology has on patient care within the years to come back.
