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3D modelling of non-intestinal colorectal anatomy

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International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

There is a paucity of methods to model soft anatomical tissues. Accurate modelling of these tissues can be difficult with current medical imaging technology.

Methods

The aim of this research was to develop a methodology to model non-intestinal colorectal tissues that are not readily identifiable radiologically to enhance contextual understanding of these tissues and inform medical device design. The models created were used to inform the design of a novel medical device to separate the mesocolon from the retroperitoneum during resection of the colon. We modelled the peritoneum and the mesentery. The mesentery was used to indicate the location of Toldt’s fascia.

Results

We generated a point cloud dataset using cryosection images as the target anatomy is more visible than in CT or MRI images. The thickness of the mesentery could not be accurately determined as point cloud data do not have thickness. A denser point cloud detailing the mesenteric boundaries could be used to address this.

Conclusions

Expert anatomical and surgical insight and point cloud data modelling methods can be used to model soft tissues. This research enhances the overall understanding of the mesentery and Toldt’s fascia in the human specimen which is necessary for medical device innovations for colorectal surgical procedures.

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Data availability statement

The Visible Human Project datasets analysed during the current study are available in the VHP repository, https://mri.radiology.uiowa.edu/visible_human_datasets.html. The data which were created from the VHP cryosection images such as the point cloud are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. The resulting outputs of all data analysed during this study are included in this current study. The point cloud data and a 3DPDF of the generated mesentery model accompany this journal paper.

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Funding

This study was funded by the Irish Research Council under the IRCSET Scholarship Scheme.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Design, University of Limerick, F2-022 Foundation Building, Castletroy, Co. Limerick, Ireland

    Eoin White, Muireann McMahon & Leonard O’Sullivan

  2. School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Co. Limerick, Ireland

    Michael Walsh

  3. Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Co. Limerick, Ireland

    Michael Walsh, J. Calvin Coffey & Leonard O’Sullivan

  4. Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Co. Limerick, Ireland

    Michael Walsh

  5. Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Co. Limerick, Ireland

    J. Calvin Coffey

  6. Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Co. Limerick, Ireland

    J. Calvin Coffey, Leon Walsh & Dara Walsh

Authors
  1. Eoin White
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  2. Muireann McMahon
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  3. Michael Walsh
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  4. J. Calvin Coffey
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  5. Leon Walsh
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  6. Dara Walsh
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  7. Leonard O’Sullivan
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Contributions

EW assisted in designing the study, evaluated the modelling techniques, performed the modelling work as presented (Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), and contributed to each section of the manuscript. MM contributed to the review of the modelling approaches, and to the methods description in the manuscript. MW contributed to the design of the model validation approach, and to the writing of the results section. CC is a surgical and anatomical expert in this topic. He highlighted the need for the modelling of the anatomy, he detailed the relevant anatomy, and he reviewed the models developed. He also contributed to the overall manuscript layout and approach. LW created the point cloud data set and he also reviewed the accuracy of the models developed. He contributed to the method section of the manuscript. DW and EW explored the modelling approaches, and together developed the modelling approach as presented in the manuscript. LO’S designed the study and coordinated the activities and contributions of all authors to the manuscript. He led the point cloud acquisition session. He also led the writing of each section of the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Leonard O’Sullivan.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

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Cite this article

White, E., McMahon, M., Walsh, M. et al. 3D modelling of non-intestinal colorectal anatomy. Int J CARS 14, 73–82 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-018-1863-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-018-1863-y

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