Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 1.1
Example of a virtual patient model
degeneration, we explain in this chapter how to develop simulation technology for
the optimal planning of joint treatment.
It is essential that multidisciplinary researchers join forces to investigate MRI-
based novel segmentation algorithms, multi-scale anatomical modeling techniques,
animation-enabled prediction of surgical outcome, andGPUgraphics-enhanced opti-
mization. Eventually, these basic research efforts will be applied for simulation-
enabled optimal planning of joint treatment.
1.2 Objectives
In the coming twenty years and more, most industrialized countries will bear the
burden of an aging population and concurrently grapple with a shortage of healthcare
workers. It can be envisioned that in 15-20years, healthcare could become more
convenient as patients could self-diagnose using sensors in tablet computers and the
information will be transmitted to a doctor, who will provide online consultation
via 3D interactive media systems. A first step towards this vision is to create a time
dependent 3D physics-based anatomical and physiological model of a patient (3D
patient model) as illustrated in Fig.
1.1
. That means, at any time, we can have an
instance of the patient model depending on his/her body state. Having this, doctors
will have the possibility to compare several different instances of the model in order
to decide optimal treatment options. This will also allow patients to be more aware
of their state of health at anytime and anywhere. This 3D interactive patient model
will help doctors and healthcare professionals improve their diagnosis and treatment
as illustrated in Fig.
1.2
.
