Applied Advanced Anatomy – 3D Modeling

ELEC 518 / PHSP 669

Department
Health Sciences Education and Pathology

Clinical or Non-Clinical Course
Non-Clinical

Physician Assessed Patient Facing
No

Prerequisites
Completion of Phase 2 Clerkships

Goal
Recent UICOMP experimental success with 3D modeling for complex surgical planning forms the basis for this elective. Accurate 3D mental interpretation, identification, and diagnosis from 2D medical imaging of anatomical structures remains a leading cause in misdiagnosis and surgical error. This elective provides an opportunity for the student to gain hands-on experience developing anatomical location, identification, and dissection skills as well as demonstrating application of 2D anatomical imaging information to a 3D model.

Experienced surgeons who face complex surgical procedures champion the benefits of converting 3D DICOM datasets into 3D models for pre-surgical analysis. Surgeon’s who face a complex congenital heart surgery or complex surgical oncology case will acquire a 3D imaging dataset, then working with radiology, they will generate a 3D model of the case. Once the 3D model is created they will then interact with the 3D model (physical 3D print or VR digital 3D model) to generate an improved mental representation of the surgical case or even practice a simulated surgery procedure with the model prior to repair. The surgeons will then create an informational module for patient education or clinical vignette for medical education. This elective aims to mirror this real world work-flow to introduce these new standard of care concepts to the learner while providing a deeper understanding of the anatomy chosen by the learner.

This elective provides the learner with an opportunity to dive deep into specialty specific anatomy through cadaveric anatomic dissection, radiologic diagnostic interpretation, 3D model generation from 3D DICOM datasets, followed by a case presentation project.

Prior to the start of the elective (2 weeks, minimum), the learner is expected to communicate with the anatomy lab, the desired target anatomy so preparations can be made for the start of the elective. The elective is broken up into 3 broad phases. The first phase is hands on dissection coordinated within the anatomy lab. The second phase is a combination of both radiologic image review as well as 3D model generation. Working with radiology, the learner will shadow a radiology sub-specialist in the target specialty. This time will be utilized to gain a summary knowledge of imaging modalities useful to the specialty as well as identification of a sufficient 3D DICOM dataset by which to generate the 3D model. The learner will then transition to the process of creating the 3D model from the 3D DICOM dataset. This involves utilizing medical oriented CAD software, (for which training and support will be provided.) The third and final phase of the elective involves creating a peer educational project utilizing a 3D technology of the learner’s choosing.

Successful completion of the elective should result in:
1. Deeper knowledge of the targeted anatomy through dissection and radiological review.
2. Broad awareness and utility of imaging methods for targeted anatomy.
3. Exposure to the process of segmentation in the building of 3D models.
4. Awareness of the different types of 3D technology and how 3D modeling aids in the surgical planning of complex procedures.
5. Broad understanding of how 3D modeling fits into good instructional design.

A DICOM File is an image saved in the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format.

Objectives

At the end of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Identify, describe, and apply cadaveric anatomic structures and function.
  2. Develop enhanced dissection skills.
  3. Compare radiologic anatomy to cadaveric anatomic relationships to enhance understanding of disease processes.
  4. Describe decision making process for when 3D modeling should be considered for medical decision making.
  5. Demonstrate basic 3D modeling creation skills with CAD software.
  6. List various 3D technologies and benefits and limitations of each (as they relate to medical decision making).
  7. Exhibit proper integration of 3D modeling into medical education format.

Method of Assessment

  • Standard Non-clinical Evaluation - Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Director
Matt Bramlet, M.D., Shannon Egli

Course Coordinator
Stephanie Thomas
smaho3@uic.edu
309-680-8641

Location
UICOMP/Jump/OSF

Setting
Neither Outpatient nor Inpatient

Night Call
No

Laboratory
Yes

Weekends
No

House Staff
Yes

Number of Learners per Block
4

Duration
4 weeks

Who is this elective available to
M4s (in Phase 3)

Blocks Available
All Blocks except Block 3