SBIR-STTR Award

The Aim of this project is to develop protocols that will produce very high-resolution models of human anatomical structures. This project Aims to achieve a degree of resolution that has not been possible until recently because of the limitations of technology available so far. The Visible Human Project (VHP) was the first demonstration of the use of serial cross sections to build voxel models, however, while the VHP represents a landmark effort, it suffers from resolution and segmentation problems. These problems are inherent in the freezing process used in the cryosectioning The exposed surfaces are not smooth enough for high-resolution imaging. There is a need for continued development of high-resolution models of various human anatomical structures to add to the digital-image library. This study will develop the protocols necessary to produce high-resolution models of any part of the human anatomy regardless of the gross size of the specimen under study. Data on specimens will be collected from micro CT scans and thin cross section microgrinding. These data sets will be compared and combined to develop several methods of visualization. Micro CT scan resolution is largely dependent on the size of the sample being scanned. This project will focus on the human mandible, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the associated soft tissues. To process a sample of large gross anatomy, we will section the sample, scan each segmented section and then combine the segmented scans. We will develop software protocols to accurately stitch the sections together to form larger models with higher resolution than is currently possible when a single scan of the whole segment is taken. The segmented sections will be embedded in a resin in preparation for microgrinding and collection of digital photographs of the 2-D axial slices. Various techniques will be employed in order to develop an embedding medium that maintains tissue color accurately. The embedded sections will be serially ground in very fine cross section and each cross section photographed. The digital photographic data obtained will be reconstructed into color voxel models. These color voxel models will then be montaged into one large color voxel model. All of the examined protocols will be evaluated and combined into an automated system to produce high-resolution voxel models of various anatomical structures. This technology, combined with the ever-increasing power of computers, opens up an entirely new arena for anatomical visualization and learning. The societal and educational benefits are significant. The ability to interact with multiple three-dimensional structures contributes to the accuracy and efficiency of conceptualizing accurate anatomical mental models. The result will be improved clinical outcomes and a reduction in the potential for untoward results.

Thesaurus Terms:
computer simulation, dental visualization, interactive multimedia, mandible /maxilla, model design /development, structural model, temporomandibular joint, three dimensional imaging /topography, tomography anatomy, computer program /software, computer system design /evaluation, cryoscience, digital imaging, sectioning, tissue /cell preparation clinical research, human tissue, postmortem

This project will produce models of anatomical structures with a degree of resolution that, because of technological limitations, has not been previously possible. The Visible Human Project (VHP) was the first demonstration of the use of serial cross sections to build voxel models. While the VHP represent a landmark effort, it suffers from limited sample size, (two subjects), resolution and segmentation problems. This project will increase the sample size and will collect data at a dramatically higher resolution. It will then concentrate on a specific piece of anatomy - the TMJ, to illustrate normal and abnormal anatomical samples and to demonstrate the functional movements of the joint. The first Aim is to define the anatomy, vascularity, innervation, muscle, and bone of the maxilla, mandible, TMJ and surrounding tissue. We will use data collection methods perfected during the Phase I grant. Viewing protocols will be expanded, allowing us to segment, remove and replace various structures. Ancillary to this, we will correlate the CT, MRI and digital photographic data for a better understanding of the anatomy. All of the models will be fully interactive, rotatable around six axes, annotated, capable of being turned off and on segmentally and viewed in stereo. The second Aim is to illustrate the pathology of the TMJ by the inclusion of scanned data of an important collection of skulls from UCSF. The third Aim is to develop a comprehensive Atlas of the TMJ. It will include the macroanatomy of the joint including the capsular anatomy, innervation, vascularity and the associated muscles of mastication. The viewer will be able to move the annotated joint through all of its movements and observe how the musculature works in both mastication and mandibular movements. The ability to image small discrete areas of anatomy at high resolution provides useful data that is educational and clinically useful and is an important contribution to a comprehensive high-resolution library. The Atlas will be designed to be used by medical and Dental students, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, radiologists, plastic and ENT surgeons.

Thesaurus Terms:
computer simulation, dental visualization, interactive multimedia, mandible /maxilla, model design /development, structural model, temporomandibular joint, three dimensional imaging /topography anatomy, biomechanics, blood supply, computer program /software, computer system design /evaluation, digital imaging, innervation, muscle, pathology, sectioning, temporomandibular joint syndrome behavioral /social science research tag, bioimaging /biomedical imaging, computed axial tomography, human tissue, magnetic resonance imaging, photography, postmortem