Hollow Anatomical Model Shell Generation With Variable Wall Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating hollow models from medical images are inefficient, often requiring extensive user interaction and result in topological issues, loss of context, and increased complexity due to the need for multiple software applications, especially when creating 3D printed models of anatomical structures like vessels and airways.
Innovation Solution
A system and method within medical imaging visualization software that allows for the direct generation and modification of hollow models by extracting a shell of desired thickness around a solid region, preserving context and allowing for visualization and modification within the software, with features like constrained region shell generation, variable thickness, and multi-layer region shells to accurately simulate anatomical structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hollow models are generated using multiple software applications, then the models can be created from medical images, but the process complexity and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate software applications (medical image viewer, segmentation tool, mesh generator, and hollow model creator) into a single integrated application. This allows users to perform all operations—from loading medical images to generating hollow models with variable thickness—within one unified software environment, eliminating the need to export and import data between applications and significantly reducing process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated software application performs multiple functions that previously required separate tools: it can display medical images, segment anatomical structures, generate mesh models, create hollow models with variable wall thickness, and prepare outputs for 3D printing. This multi-functional approach consolidates the workflow into a single universal tool
2Manufacturing precision
If extensive user interaction is required for hollow model generation, then model accuracy can be improved, but the time and effort required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The software performs preliminary actions by automatically generating an initial hollow model with default uniform wall thickness immediately after mesh creation. This preliminary model serves as a starting point that users can then refine by adjusting thickness parameters in specific regions, reducing the need for extensive manual modeling from scratch while maintaining the ability to achieve high precision where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The software implements dynamic thickness adjustment capabilities that allow users to modify wall thickness interactively after the initial model generation. Users can specify different thickness values for different regions of the hollow model, and the system dynamically updates the mesh structure to reflect these changes, combining automated generation with targeted manual refinement
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform wall thickness is used for hollow models, then generation is simpler, but anatomical accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The software implements local quality by allowing different wall thickness values in different regions of the hollow model. Users can specify thickness parameters that vary across the model surface, enabling thin walls in some areas and thick walls in others to accurately represent the actual anatomical structure. This local variation capability maintains anatomical fidelity while preserving the simplicity of automated generation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing users to modify the wall thickness parameter at different locations on the hollow model. The software accepts thickness specifications in various formats (absolute values, relative to local radius, or based on anatomical landmarks) and dynamically adjusts the mesh geometry to reflect these parameter changes, bridging the gap between simple generation and anatomical accuracy
4Productivity
If context information is lost during hollow model extraction, then processing is faster, but model usability for 3D printing and simulation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The software performs preliminary actions by automatically preserving and embedding context information during the hollow model extraction process. It retains the original medical image data, segmentation masks, and spatial relationships within the software environment, preparing this contextual data in advance for potential reference during model refinement or for export with the final model, ensuring both speed and usability
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques for generating a hollow model from a medical image are disclosed herein. In an example, a hollow model may be created within a medical imaging visualization application through the generation of a mask of an interior space of a segmented anatomical structure, the extrusion of a shell mask from the mask of the interior space, and the generation of a visualization of the shell mask within the medical imaging visualization application. For example, the mask may be provided as a layer in the medical imaging visualization application, allowing a user to visualize the produced shell mask of the hollow model from the perspective of the medical imaging. In further examples, the hollow model generation techniques may be used with techniques for shell region modifications, variable shell thickness, multiple shell layer, and trimming of shell endpoints.