Welcome to August! Have you ever marvelled at the wonders of medical technology that allow doctors to peek inside the human body? Over the years, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds have become increasingly sophisticated, offering detailed insights. But what’s truly remarkable is the ability to convert this data into precise 3D models, revolutionizing surgical planning, education, and medical tools. However, the traditional process has always been complex and time-consuming, until now.
How Belfast-based Axial3D is Transforming Medical Imaging with AI-Powered 3D Models
Enter Axial3D, a pioneering company based in Belfast, Ireland, that is changing the game. Through the power of AI and advanced algorithms, they have developed software that automates and accelerates the conversion of patient scan data into accurate 3D digital files that can be printed. Recently, the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) gave its seal of approval to Axial3D‘s Insight Medical Image Segmentation Platform for use in orthopaedic, maxillofacial, and cardiovascular applications.
But how does this cutting-edge software, Insight, actually work?
It’s surprisingly simple! Taking 2D medical images, it magically transforms them into detailed 3D visualizations and printable files. These 3D models are not mere novelties; they serve practical purposes in patient education, practice surgeries, and even customizing medical equipment.
The advantages of using patient-specific 3D models have been well-documented. Not only do they save on hospital costs, but they also enhance doctors’ preparedness for procedures, leading to better patient outcomes. A study found that the use of 3D-printed anatomical models resulted in a staggering 62-minute reduction in operating room time per case and cost savings of $3,720 per case in orthopaedic and maxillofacial surgery.
Given their potential impact on diagnosis, patient management, and treatment, the FDA classifies these 3D-printed anatomical models as Class 2 medical devices. Therefore, the software used to create them must receive FDA clearance for specific applications. Fortunately, Axial3D’s Insight has received this crucial approval, paving the way for significant advancements in the medical device industry.
Surgeons, clinicians, radiologists, and engineers are already embracing Insight with open arms. By simply uploading a patient’s DICOM images to the platform, they can sit back as the software performs automatic segmentation and validation, generating a personalized 3D file. This not only streamlines the process but also saves valuable time, sometimes even days, per case.
A 3d medical revolution
Axial3D isn’t alone in this groundbreaking endeavour. Other software solutions like Materialise Mimics InPrint, Oqton’s D2P, and Ricoh 3D for Healthcare are also contributing to the revolution by converting patient data into 3D files for a range of FDA-approved uses.
In conclusion, the future of medical imaging is bright and promising, thanks to companies like Axial3D and their innovative AI-powered 3D models. As automation and artificial intelligence continue to shape the healthcare industry, personalized patient care will become the standard. So, the next time you hear about a surgeon preparing for a critical operation using 3D-printed models, you’ll know that it’s part of the remarkable transformation happening behind the scenes.
