Title: Design and development of anatomical model using CT imaging and rapid prototyping tools: application of medical CAD operations

Authors: Boppana V. Chowdary; Nishkal George; Ejaz Ali

Addresses: Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago ' Caribbean Industrial Research Institute, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago ' Massy Wood Group Ltd., Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract: The training of medical personnel requires specialised anatomical imaging and referencing tools. However, generic tools for visualising patient anatomy lack sustainability in terms of materials, cost, and environmental impact. In response, the design and development of a sustainable 3D femur bone model from computed tomography (CT) data was proposed as a tool for relaying patient-specific anatomical knowledge. The study utilised two sophisticated medical computer aided design (CAD) programs; mimics 16 and the 3-matic module, along with a Taguchi design plan. The three parameters 'wrap', 'hollow' and 'smooth' were varied systematically after segmentation of CT images in mimics. The nine experimental STL models generated were subjected to an in-depth virtual analysis of STL issues and manufacturing criteria. The study revealed experiment eight to be the optimum design, based on STL model quality and resource usage, while retaining anatomical accuracy. The optimal model was then prototyped using a rapid prototyping (RP) machine.

Keywords: computed tomography; anatomy; model; rapid prototyping; computer aided design; CAD; stereolithography; STL; sustainability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIM.2023.132355

International Journal of Image Mining, 2023 Vol.4 No.2, pp.159 - 176

Received: 03 Dec 2022
Accepted: 01 Apr 2023
Published online: 18 Jul 2023 *

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