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Hello guys! Just an over-caffeinated MS3 here that recently got interested in radiology so take this with a grain of salt, but I recently stumbled upon this video and it made me think about the direction that Radiology, as a field, may take in the future:
**Edit - description of the vid for those who can't/ don't want to watch the vid: It's showing how 3D printing anatomically-fitting (perfect or near perfect fit) bioimplants for orthopedic reconstruction! With the surgeons actually implanting the 3Dprinted reconstruction which perfectly fits the patient's individual anatomy!
and upon some further digging, found out that many Radiologists have already begun research/training into image-guided medical 3D printing (Reconstructive Radiology perhaps? Yeah I just made that up... since 3D constructs are being reconstructed from radiologic images? lol idk
)
From: RSNA Publications Online
"A “3D printing laboratory” in radiology is now likely to emerge, with some parallels to and differences from early 3D laboratories. Although overall 3D printing costs continue to decrease, start-up expenses without near-term reimbursement will likely limit early adoption to radiologists currently proficient in advanced visualization. However, creating accurate 3D-printed models requires an additional fund of knowledge and mastery of new technical skills to generate unique printable file formats recognized by 3D printers. Early-adopter radiologists must invest in developing and honing these skills. Over time, these skills will be incorporated into training programs and implemented with use of software that is better integrated to radiology workflow, facilitating the pathway for most or all radiologists to use a 3D printer as a step to improved patient care."
From: Radiology in 3D - Radiology Today Magazine
"Due to their skillset, radiologists play a key role in medical 3D printing. The volumetric data sets from patients required for the models are acquired in radiology departments, and radiologists are the natural workforce to convert those images to STL files, according to Rybicki. He does caution, however, that as the technology continues to evolve and once reimbursement finally arrives, radiologists could possibly end up in a less influential position, if they do not remain active in the process and in crafting standard operating procedures."
From: 3D printing finds myriad roles in healthcare
"Without a single, central specialty taking the lead in implementing the technology, 3D printing's integration will be exposed to inefficiencies and potential disorganization as multiple specialties attempt to implement similar processes simultaneously.
As the universal hub for image acquisition and storage within hospitals and healthcare systems, radiology is appropriately positioned to administer and refine 3D printing processes..."
From: Radiology Needs to Own 3D Printing | Diagnostic Imaging
"...what if radiology’s current product and service could both be augmented in a big way through 3D printing? What if radiology’s service line could expand to provide not just image interpretations, insights, and recommendations based on images, but also customized surgical guides and positioners, patient-specific prostheses, biocompatible implants for regenerative medicine, or deformable models for surgical training? The opportunities for radiology seem endless and are actually coming of age."
And lastly this... (Skip to 10:30 for the synthetic oncolytic virus/possible nano drug delivery mechanism and 3D printing thing)
--
As you can tell I'm very excited about this, considering this would add value to services Radiologists can provide in addition to diagnostic interpretation and procedures!
What do you guys think? Is this too science-fiction-y or is this the next logical step for Radiology? (image-guided 3D reconstruction)
Again I'm just an MS3 so take the above with a grain of salt, but If anyone has any additional references for those interested in this, it would be much appreciated!
**A couple of questions I have would be:
1. For the veterans and experienced radiologists that actually know the realities of the field, what are your thoughts on the matter? Would turf wars be anticipated or would radiologists be seen as a having a key role in this? (The time spent modelling on on a workstation vs Time spent consulting with patients/operating, etc)
2. How come most attention on this forum is being given to AI and machine learning (something that could potentially DECREASE the value of radiologists in the future) as opposed to pouring energy into the development of image-guided medical 3Dprinting and ensuring that Radiologists play a key role in it? (something that could potentially INCREASE the value of radiologists in the future)
**Update: For those interested in Translational Research, here: National Institutes of Health funds $6.25 million center for 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering
**Update2: I take back what I said about AI/Machine Learning! Lots of interesting emerging applications, especially with 3D genomics and interesting applications for molecular imaging, rendering, and bioprinting!
Edit: Included a description for the first vid. This isn't the run-of-the-mill surgery guidance usage of 3D printing guys, it's a step towards bioprinting! Printing out anatomically fitting bioimplants!
**Edit - description of the vid for those who can't/ don't want to watch the vid: It's showing how 3D printing anatomically-fitting (perfect or near perfect fit) bioimplants for orthopedic reconstruction! With the surgeons actually implanting the 3Dprinted reconstruction which perfectly fits the patient's individual anatomy!
and upon some further digging, found out that many Radiologists have already begun research/training into image-guided medical 3D printing (Reconstructive Radiology perhaps? Yeah I just made that up... since 3D constructs are being reconstructed from radiologic images? lol idk
)From: RSNA Publications Online
"A “3D printing laboratory” in radiology is now likely to emerge, with some parallels to and differences from early 3D laboratories. Although overall 3D printing costs continue to decrease, start-up expenses without near-term reimbursement will likely limit early adoption to radiologists currently proficient in advanced visualization. However, creating accurate 3D-printed models requires an additional fund of knowledge and mastery of new technical skills to generate unique printable file formats recognized by 3D printers. Early-adopter radiologists must invest in developing and honing these skills. Over time, these skills will be incorporated into training programs and implemented with use of software that is better integrated to radiology workflow, facilitating the pathway for most or all radiologists to use a 3D printer as a step to improved patient care."
From: Radiology in 3D - Radiology Today Magazine
"Due to their skillset, radiologists play a key role in medical 3D printing. The volumetric data sets from patients required for the models are acquired in radiology departments, and radiologists are the natural workforce to convert those images to STL files, according to Rybicki. He does caution, however, that as the technology continues to evolve and once reimbursement finally arrives, radiologists could possibly end up in a less influential position, if they do not remain active in the process and in crafting standard operating procedures."
From: 3D printing finds myriad roles in healthcare
"Without a single, central specialty taking the lead in implementing the technology, 3D printing's integration will be exposed to inefficiencies and potential disorganization as multiple specialties attempt to implement similar processes simultaneously.
As the universal hub for image acquisition and storage within hospitals and healthcare systems, radiology is appropriately positioned to administer and refine 3D printing processes..."
From: Radiology Needs to Own 3D Printing | Diagnostic Imaging
"...what if radiology’s current product and service could both be augmented in a big way through 3D printing? What if radiology’s service line could expand to provide not just image interpretations, insights, and recommendations based on images, but also customized surgical guides and positioners, patient-specific prostheses, biocompatible implants for regenerative medicine, or deformable models for surgical training? The opportunities for radiology seem endless and are actually coming of age."
And lastly this... (Skip to 10:30 for the synthetic oncolytic virus/possible nano drug delivery mechanism and 3D printing thing)
--
As you can tell I'm very excited about this, considering this would add value to services Radiologists can provide in addition to diagnostic interpretation and procedures!
What do you guys think? Is this too science-fiction-y or is this the next logical step for Radiology? (image-guided 3D reconstruction)
Again I'm just an MS3 so take the above with a grain of salt, but If anyone has any additional references for those interested in this, it would be much appreciated!
**A couple of questions I have would be:
1. For the veterans and experienced radiologists that actually know the realities of the field, what are your thoughts on the matter? Would turf wars be anticipated or would radiologists be seen as a having a key role in this? (The time spent modelling on on a workstation vs Time spent consulting with patients/operating, etc)
2. How come most attention on this forum is being given to AI and machine learning (something that could potentially DECREASE the value of radiologists in the future) as opposed to pouring energy into the development of image-guided medical 3Dprinting and ensuring that Radiologists play a key role in it? (something that could potentially INCREASE the value of radiologists in the future)
**Update: For those interested in Translational Research, here: National Institutes of Health funds $6.25 million center for 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering
**Update2: I take back what I said about AI/Machine Learning! Lots of interesting emerging applications, especially with 3D genomics and interesting applications for molecular imaging, rendering, and bioprinting!
Edit: Included a description for the first vid. This isn't the run-of-the-mill surgery guidance usage of 3D printing guys, it's a step towards bioprinting! Printing out anatomically fitting bioimplants!
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