Dear Advanced Visualization Insider,
Imagine a world where radiologic technologists train on the same equipment they'll be using on the job -- rather than on some decommissioned x-ray machine left over from the era of typewriters and Dictaphones.
Such a world is not only possible, it's happening now thanks to virtual reality, according to entrepreneurs from New Zealand, who say their training system is more flexible and useful to students and teachers than today's cumbersome methods.
Virtual Medical Coaching has just one customer at the moment -- a local university that teaches large numbers of x-ray technologists. But the Christchurch-based firm is betting that manufacturers and educators everywhere will find something to like in a system that allows students to walk around virtual equipment, interact with virtual patients and their limbs, push virtual buttons, and acquire images that are only as good as the settings they've chosen. Now that the heavy lifting has been done programming-wise, customizing the system to specific equipment models is easy, they say. For the rest of the story, check out our Insider Exclusive.
In computer-aided detection (CAD), researchers have been busy developing algorithms to detect spinal metastases automatically. Metastases are a frequent if difficult-to-spot companion to lung cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer, to name three. And early detection is critical to good outcomes.
First, a study team from Japan developed a system that finds new spine metastases automatically by scanning low-dose lung CT follow-up scans, as you'll see here.
Second, a team from the U.S. National Institutes of Health has developed a multipurpose CAD system that can detect multiple kinds of spinal metastases from synthesized PET and CT images, focusing on the thoracolumbar spine. Click here for the rest of the story.
In 3D printing, it turns out that 2016 was not only a banner year in technological advances and the growing scope of applications, but also in terms of the movements of the biggest players in 3D and advanced visualization markets, who are partnering up and launching new ventures. For a top 10 look at where the corporate world is taking radiology's hot new modality -- as seen by neuroradiologist Dr. Jenny Chen of 3DHeals -- click here.
Researchers at New York University School of Medicine weren't sure where 3D printing of kidneys would take them for surgical planning. But surgeons are learning that nothing explains the relationship of the tumor with other structures and its location within the kidney like a 3D-printed model. Find out more here.
Last but not least in your Advanced Visualization Community, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration explained the federal government's role in the growing manufacturing specialty of 3D printing.
