Vital Images/ Twitter
Vital Images RSNA 2016
Vital Images exhibiting at RSNA 2016
Stratasys and Vital Images, a Minneapolis-based enterprise medical imaging and informatics company, are collaboratively exhibiting 3D printing and the automated segmentation of medical images at the Radiological Society of North America 2016.
The exhibition, which commenced yesterday (November 27th) and runs until December 2nd, showcases the work of radiologists from around the world. Both Stratasys and Vital are occupying their own respective booths and presenting their technologies.
As healthcare organisations continue to look to 3D printing and automated segmentation to improve patient care and efficiency, Vital are seeking to involve themselves with 3D technology. Vital’s Vitrea Advanced Visualisation software provides multi-modality, automated segmentation tools to generate 3D models from DICOM 3D datasets. This software converts CT, MR and XA images to stereolithography (STL) files which are compatible with 3D printers. At RSNA, Vital will be displaying a range of anatomical models will be displayed and models will be printed live using a Stratasys printer.
The Stratasys and Vital partnership has birthed 3D printing packages that contain Vitrea software and 3D printers that allow customers to expedite implementation of their 3D printing initiatives. Customers can choose from various packages that combine best-in-class DICOM editing software and auto-segmentation algorithms with next-generation 3D printers. These solutions are being sold by both the Vital and Stratasys sales teams.
“Automated segmentation and STL creation have been integrated into Vital software for years and our partnership with Stratasys allows customers to take full advantage of these next-generation capabilities,” said Jim Litterer, President and CEO of Vital Images. “We encourage those attending RSNA to stop by the Vital booth for live demonstrations of how segmentation can speed up the workflow of STL creation.”
Vital are even offering their 3D Print On-Demand service, allowing health organisations looking to benefit from 3D printing without a capital investment in equipment, to send files to a global network of Stratasys 3D printers. The resulting 3D models will then be shipped directly to the customer. Models are also being made available in a wide range of colours and materials.
Stratasys/ Twitter
Stratasys at RSNA 2016
Stratasys' booth at RSNA 2016
Ritu Gill, M.D., M.P.H., director of imaging research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, has been using 3D technology for years, believing it not only improves his medical service but also allows him to better explain procedures to patients.
“For years I have been using 3D software for all of my challenging clinical cases in my surgical planning and quantitative assessment of tumour volume in lung tumours,” said Gill. “It offers accurate segmentation of anatomical and pathological structures, including airway, vasculature and bones from images, and then converts them to models that then can be printed. Not only do 3D models allow for surgical planning and a multidisciplinary discussion, but they also allow me to show patients the model and explain our team’s surgical approach.”
Stratasys are also enthused by the role 3D technology can play in the medical industry. The General Manager of Stratasys’ Healthcare Solutions, Scott Rader also thinks their collaborative efforts alongside Vital RSNA can help to increase the inclusion of 3D technology in healthcare.
“Physicians and allied healthcare personnel are looking for solutions to simplify the workflow of 3D printing in a hospital,” said Rader. “When you combine the power of Vitrea software with Stratasys multi-material, full-colour printing, a doctor can quickly move from patient imaging to simulating both hard and soft tissue, and also differentiate tissues using vibrant colour in a single print. This partnership will accelerate the adoption of 3D in hospitals by combining Vital Images’ Vitrea software that physicians use every day with powerful Stratasys printers.”
Stratasys and Vital will be located in booths North Hall #6360 and #7356 all week, respectively.
