R_Bibb_Medical_Modelling_The_Application_of_Adv.pdf

278 Medical modelling
7.3 Data fusion
One of the areas currently of great interest is data fusion, which is taking
data of the same patient from a number of different imaging modalities and
combining them into a single, comprehensive three-dimensional model. So
far, work has been done to combine similar image types, such as merging
CT and MR images, and to combine different image types, such as 3D CT
models with surface models from optical scanners. However, to date much
of this work has been research based and more clinically based work needs
to be done to validate data fusion so that the effect of the merging of
different data types is fully understood. The widespread use of common
data formats, such as Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine
(DICOM), will be a key enabling factor in allowing data fusion to be
explored.
7.4 Communication
The rapid development of the Internet and the increasing affordability of
high-powered PCs have enabled the sharing and rapid transport of medical
scan data. Despite the large data fi les involved, the advent of cheap CD
writers and subsequently DVD writers means that even large medical scan
data fi les can be cheaply and safely recorded and mailed. However, issues
of confi dentiality and patient privacy must equally be incorporated into the
handling of all medical information. These issues may place barriers to the
full sharing of data despite what may be technically feasible.
7.5 Rapid prototyping
The development of rapid prototyping may seem to have reached a plateau
and current developments are often incremental, but, in general terms, RP
machines are becoming cheaper, faster and more reliable making them ever
more accessible to researchers and engineers working in a variety of applications.
However, materials developments are also a major driver in medical
applications of RP technologies. More biocompatible materials will be
required if much of the potential of RP is to be realised in mainstream
medical treatment. The shift in emphasis in much RP research towards
rapid manufacture rather than modelling or prototyping will provide a
strong driver in this respect. In fact, many medical applications of RP predicted
and predated this shift in industrial thinking towards the ability to
make end use products using RP technologies. However, it is highly likely
that, due to the considerable expense involved in developing and marketing
new RP technologies, large, well funded industrial sectors such as aerospace
and automotive will lead the way. As in the past, this will lead to develop-