Application of UV laser fabrication to organ models interpolated from computed tomography and magnetic resonance images.
We have developed a unique laser fabrication system that uses an ultraviolet laser beam and liquid photopolymer. The system can easily be used to fabricate physical models without milling tools in only one process by using digital data obtained from medical computed tomography (CT) scanners or computer-aided design systems. We describe the fabrication of a smooth physical model such as a cerebrum, using the laser fabrication system, with the help of CT and magnetic resonance images that are made with coarse slices. Each sandwiched area between adjoining images is interpolated by using third-order spline curves in the cylindrical coordinate system. This modeling technique can play a major role in personal prosthesis, surgical planning, and implant design.
Nakai
T
T
Marutani
Y
Y