Stoma Imaging 3D Reconstruction for Size and Shape Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging methods for stomas, such as contrast-enhanced CT scans, are expensive and prone to overlooking stoma sites, leading to complications and limited options for monitoring stoma changes, which are crucial for maintaining health and proper ostomy appliance fitting.
Innovation Solution
A stoma imaging method that converts 2D images into 3D models using grayscale or holographic techniques, allowing for real-time dimension measurement and shape classification, enabling the tracking of temporal changes in stoma size and shape, and incorporating machine learning for improved detection and prediction of complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contrast-enhanced CT scans are used for stoma imaging, then detailed internal structure can be visualized, but the cost increases and stoma sites are often overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses 3D printing to create physical models that copy the stoma's geometry from medical imaging data. This allows detailed visualization of stoma structure without requiring repeated complex CT scans, as the 3D model can be examined multiple times and used for appliance fitting planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specialized software that acts as an intermediary between CT data and clinical interpretation. This software automatically identifies and highlights stoma sites, ensuring they are not overlooked while maintaining the detailed imaging capability of CT scans.
2Measurement precision
If manual review of CT studies by radiologists is performed, then detailed analysis is possible, but the cost increases and availability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated software that performs stoma identification and 3D model generation without requiring radiologist intervention. This self-service capability makes stoma imaging analysis accessible to any clinical setting, eliminating the need for specialized radiology departments while maintaining accurate detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual radiologist review with automated computer-based image processing and 3D reconstruction algorithms. This substitution maintains detection accuracy while dramatically reducing cost and improving accessibility.
3Measurement precision
If traditional imaging methods are used, then stoma structure can be visualized, but real-time monitoring of temporal changes is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates 3D printed models that serve as permanent reference copies of stoma structure at different time points. These models allow clinicians to physically compare temporal changes without requiring frequent new imaging studies, reducing the time loss associated with repeated imaging.
4Ease of operation
If 3D printed models are used for patient education, then patient understanding improves, but the cost and complexity of creating models increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 3D modeling process into separate modular components: image acquisition, processing software, and 3D printing. This segmentation allows the system to be implemented in stages and reduces overall complexity by allowing each component to be optimized independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of imaging a stoma and/or peristomal skin includes obtaining a 2D image of a stoma and generating a 3D image from the 2D image of the stoma. In generating a 3D image, the 2D image may be converted into a grayscale and plotted into the 3D image. The color or the stoma and peristomal skin can also be measured to diagnose or track changes indicative of health and disease. The 3D image of the stoma and/or peristomal skin can facilitate determination of peristomal and stomal conditions and assist in maintaining health thereof.