Virtual Dissection System of Cadaver Heart Using 3-Dimensional Image

  • Chung, Min-Suk (Department of Anatomy, Ajou University School of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, Je-Man (Department of Anatomy, Ajou University School of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Min-Koo (Division of Information and Computer Engineering, Ajou University College of Information and Communication) ;
  • Park, Seung-Kyu (Division of Information and Computer Engineering, Ajou University College of Information and Communication)
  • Published : 1997.11.28

Abstract

For medical students and doctors, knowledge of the 3-dimensional (3D) structure of the heart is very important in diagnosis and treatment of the heart diseases. 2-dimensional (2D) tools (e.g. anatomy book) or classical 3D tools (e.g. plastic model) are not sufficient or understanding the complex structures of the heart. Moreover, it is not always guaranteed to dissect the heart of cadaver when it is necessary. To overcome this problem, virtual dissection systems of the heart have been developed. But these systems are not satisfactory since they are made of radiographs; they are not true 3D images; they can not be used to dissect freely; or they can only be operated on the workstation. It is also necessary to make the dissection systems incorporating the various races and tribes because of the organ's difference according to race and tribe. This study was intended to make the 3D image of the heart from a Korean cadaver, and to establish a virtual dissection system of the heart with a personal computer. The procedures or manufacturing this system were as follows. 1. The heart from a Korean adult cadaver was embedded with gelatin solution, and serially cross-sectioned at 1mm-thickness on a meat slicer. Pictures or 153 cross-sectioned specimens were inputted into the computer using a digital camera ($756{\times}504$ resolution, true color). 2. The alignment system was established by means of the language of IDL, and applied to align 2D images of the heart. In each of 2D images, closed curves lining clean and dirty blood pathways were drawn manually on the CorelDRAW program. 3. Using the language of IDL, the 3D image and the virtual dissection system of the heart were constructed. The virtual dissection system of the heart allowed or ree rotation, any-directional sectioning, and selected visualization of the heart's structure. This system is expected to become more advanced, and to be used widely through Internet or CD-title as an educational tool for medical students and doctors.

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