Arc Viewer: Introduction
Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, renowned for its excellence in pediatric healthcare, has announced the launch of a groundbreaking technology: Arc Viewer. This innovative no-cost 3D model viewing software is set to revolutionize how surgeons interact with patient anatomy, enhancing surgical planning and outcomes.
What is Arc Viewer?
Arc Viewer is a state-of-the-art software developed in-house at the Helen and Will Webster Foundation 3D Innovations (3DI) Lab at Rady Children’s Hospital. This tool allows clinicians to interact with detailed 3D reconstructions of patient anatomy directly on their computers. Built with Unity, a leading platform for real-time creation, user-friendly and accessible, enabling precise pre-surgical planning.
Technological Innovation at Rady Children’s
The development of Arc Viewer is a testament to Rady Children’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into healthcare. The software facilitates the viewing of complex 3D models without the need for radiology technologists or engineers. Surgeons receive CT and MRI scan renderings as 3D data (e.g., X3D, OBJ, or STL files) that they can manipulate at their convenience, saving valuable time and providing a closer examination of intricate anatomical structures.
Impact on Surgical Planning
Dr. John Nigro, Division Chief of Cardiac Surgery & Cardiac Transplant Services at Rady Children’s Hospital, emphasized the game-changing nature of Arc Viewer. The software allows surgeons to view patient-specific anatomy, such as tiny cardiac chambers, before surgery. This capability enhances confidence and precision in the operating room, leading to improved surgical outcomes.
“Having access to an intuitive platform to view the patient-specific anatomy of a tiny, intricate cardiac chamber before going into surgery is game-changing,” remarked Dr. Nigro.
Utilizing Unity for Healthcare
The innovative use of Unity, a platform known for creating popular video games, in Arc Viewer underscores a unique approach to healthcare software. Unity’s tools have been leveraged to create a user-friendly experience, making the complex technology approachable for medical professionals. This strategy has significantly improved the usability and effectiveness of the software.
“It is uncommon to leverage a video game engine or apply video game design principles in healthcare software, but this strategy has enhanced the approachability of the software and resulted in a better user experience,” said Parham Gholami, Research Engineer at Rady Children’s Hospital.
Future Developments in 3D Innovations
Rady Children’s 3DI Lab is actively working on several other projects to further enhance healthcare delivery. These include an interactive hospital floorplan designer and an app for calculating clinical z-scores. The lab has also recently launched Media2DICOM, a software for DICOM standardization, and participated in discussions on 3D imaging at Comic-Con International.
Arc Viewer, which has been in use at Rady Children’s for a year, will be publicly available from June 25, 2024, at no cost through the hospital’s website. This release marks a significant milestone in making advanced medical technology accessible to a broader audience.
FAQs
Q1: What is Arc Viewer?
A1: Arc Viewer is a no-cost 3D model viewing software developed by Rady Children’s Hospital. It allows clinicians to interact with detailed 3D reconstructions of patient anatomy on their computers.
Q2: How does Arc Viewer benefit surgeons?
A2: Arc Viewer lets surgeons view patient-specific anatomy in detail before surgery, enhancing planning and confidence in the operating room.
Q3: What technology is Arc Viewer built with?
A3: Arc Viewer is built with Unity, a leading platform for creating real-time experiences, making the software user-friendly and effective.
Q4: When will Arc Viewer be available to the public?
A4: Arc Viewer will be publicly available at no cost starting June 25, 2024, through Rady Children’s Hospital’s website.
Q5: What other projects is Rady Children’s 3DI Lab working on?
A5: The 3DI Lab is developing an interactive hospital floorplan designer, a clinical z-score calculator app, and Media2DICOM, a DICOM standardization software.
Conclusion
The launch of Arc Viewer by Rady Children’s Hospital represents a significant advancement in medical technology. By providing a no-cost, user-friendly platform for viewing 3D anatomical models, enhances surgical planning and outcomes. This innovation, along with ongoing projects at the 3DI Lab, underscores Rady Children’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for better patient care.
Discover the latest Provider news updates with a single click. Follow DistilINFO HospitalIT and stay ahead with updates. Join our community today!
