The application of design methods in medical modelling and reconstructive surgery

When assessing complex three-dimensional forms, current medical procedures and treatments involve many of the same principles found in the modern product design process. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provide scan-data that enable three-dimensional reconstructions of patient anatomy to be computer generated. This data can be treated as the equivalent of Computer Aided Design (CAD) data. Although there are obvious benefits of three-dimensional representations, this also leads to an increasing number of common issues being confronted within product design and medical fields. For example, interpretations of three-dimensional CT or MRI scan data via two-dimensional media presents similar problems to those experienced by designers viewing CAD models on screen. As with design, the production of accurate physical representations of the computer data may prove extremely beneficial In reducing potential ambiguity and providing a better understanding of the physical form. The physical model can also then be used to verify interaction of the form with other objects, such as instruments or implants. There is, therefore, considerable scope for the transfer of product design techniques and technologies into clinical practice. This paper illustrates, by case study, the collaborative work of the DERC in the clinical application of product design and manufacturing technologies. Specifically, the application of surface scanning and rapid prototyping technologies as an aid to postoperative reconstruction is described. The benefits and problems in applying such technology in a clinical context are described. The future development of such technology transfer is also discussed