3D imaging guides precise medical operations, strategies

When it comes to 3D technology solutions in the medical sector, we might first think about 3D printing.

But, in a more fashion-conscious branch of the medical sector, the plastic surgery industry, 3D imaging technology has been widely adopted to guide surgeons during delicate operations and to provide appropriate suggestions for medical consultants.

On Sept 6, the launch of the first 3D digital plastic surgery hospital was reported by sznews.com.

The hospital said it adopts the 3D digital plastic surgery system developed by the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The system incorporates 3D image scanning and facial measuring and evaluation systems.

After 15 seconds, a 3D facial analysis will also be offered, which will be used to guide customers and plastic surgeons in their decision-making process.

"Currently, 3D technologies are mainly applied in surgical planning, intraoperative navigation and postoperative evaluations," said Ma Jianxun, a plastic surgeon at Peking University Third Hospital.

Ma said one of his cases in the hospital involved a female patient aged 35 who had lost one breast to cancer.

Before she decided to undertake breast reconstruction surgery, the abnormal shape of her breasts strongly affected her daily life, resulting in her anxiety in public areas, at work and in her social life, and even in her relationship with her husband, Ma said.

To ensure the success of the precision surgery, the surgeons used 3D imaging to record the location and volume of tissue in her remaining breast. Under the guidance of the 3D image, they chose the appropriate prosthesis and decided on the surgery strategy.

"The patient underwent reconstructive surgery in 2016. The follow-up results obtained this year show good symmetry between the two breasts," Ma said.

The 3D image is created with a laser beam reflected off the body's surface or by 3D cameras surrounding the body.

In contrast to 2D images, 3D ones can be used to illustrate complex structures rapidly and non-invasively.

The image acquired through the technology has a similar accuracy to an MRI but costs less, which can save patients' time and money.

Breast reconstruction surgery assisted by 3D technology can be traced back 10 years in China, but the application of the technology in Chinese hospitals didn't become popular until 2014.

To date, nearly 200 patients have received breast reconstruction surgery assisted by 3D imaging at Peking University Third Hospital, Ma said.

Besides accurately guiding delicate operations, 3D imaging can also help to provide a precise diagnosis before the surgery.

Shanghai Mirage Innovation Technology launched a facial evaluation machine two months ago. Embedded with 3D imaging technology, the product evaluates beauty, giving a score for the human face.

Features are assessed via its 3D imaging system, which includes a rotatable infrared camera. It takes three seconds to evaluate all the prominent features of a human face and process the information into a 3D image.

liyou@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 09/13/2018 page17)