Three-Dimensional Reconstruction and Digital Printing of Medical Objects in Purview of Clinical Applications

ABSTRACT

Visual representation of intricate anatomical morphology of the human body has great significance in the medical field. Technological advancements in imaging modalities over the past two decades have had a powerful impact on disease diagnosis and treatment. Simultaneously, development of sophisticated mathematical models, image processing, and visualization tools have enabled the emergence of three-dimensional (3D) models which are closer to reality. Three-dimensional visualization of medical image data is finding increasing applications in diagnosis, treatment planning, intraoperative support, and education and research. Medical two-dimensional (2D) images acquired from imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound lack in-depth information and they are unable to interpret the complex interrelationship between anatomical spatial structures. Three-dimensional reconstruction is useful for directly displaying 3D structures, especially multiple, spatially interlinked, hollow, branching structures. However, many of the tactual qualities of physical specimen are absent in digital models. So, 3D printing opened up a new way for researchers to present their data. Medical simulation needs 3D reconstruction and 3D printing. Three-dimensional reconstruction is the mathematical process of generating a 3D virtual model of an object from a set of 2D images. Three-dimensional printing is an additive manufacturing technology which converts the digital information from an MRI or computer-aided design into 3D physical, solid model. Three-dimensional printing, the fourth industrial revolution technology, which aims at digital manufacturing and smart production, has the potential of turning dream into reality in the medical field. The aspirational applications of medical 3D printing are in medical education, pre-surgical planning, pharmaceutical drug production, bioprinting, and the customization of implants and prosthetics. This chapter puts forward the technology and software used for 3D reconstruction and provides an overview of various techniques and materials used in medical 3D printing. Furthermore, it discusses the wide range of clinical applications of 3D reconstruction and printing, including its role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The chapter also discusses the current challenges and barriers to medical 3D reconstruction and printing along with the future directions. © 2022 selection and editorial matter, Om Prakash Jena, Bharat Bhushan, Utku Kose;individual chapters, the contributors.