bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Connectivity in White Matter Using the Projected Diffusion-Tensor Distance
Authors: Sato Tetsuo  , Hasan Khader  , Alexander Andrew L.  , Minato Kotaro
Published: February 2025

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has become a powerful tool for analyzing the structure of white matter. We have proposed a method for detecting nerve fiber bundles in white matter using diffusion tensor images and have applied the method to in vivo brain measurements. Although there are many methods to investigate the connectivity of white matter that are based on principal eigenvector or full tensor propagation. In the proposed method, we use directional diffusion measurements to infer regional white matter connectivity. To assess the connectivity, we compose the map based on the projected tensor distance, then we put a label on the constructed map and segment regionally connected white matter using labels. The purpose of this study is to obtain a quantitative map of white matter connectivity in vivo using diffusion tensor properties.
Information Technology in the 2nd Phase of the Study on Thyroid Diseases in Poland after Chernobyl Accident
Authors: Matysiak W.  , Rudowski R.  , Dzierzak M.  , Nauman J.  , Gembicki M.  , Kinalska I.  , Szybinski Z.
Published: February 2025

The paper describes IT application for data acquisition and database construction in the 2nd phase of Chernobyl study on thyroid diseases in Poland after the accident.
The Virtualization of Medicine: A Decade of Pitfalls and Progress
Authors: Robb Richard A.
Published: February 2025

This paper is a personal perspective on VR in medicine over the last decade.
Intraoperative guidance of pre-planned bone deformations with a surface scanning system
Authors: Däuber Sascha  , Hoppe Harald  , Krempien R.  , Hassfeld S.  , Brief J.  , Wörn Heinz
Published: February 2025

Computer- and robot-based systems to support interventions become more and more important in modern surgery. In general these systems provide methods to plan an intervention pre-operatively [ 1,2,13] and to execute it with support from a autonomous robot-system [3,4]. Due to the principle restriction of a robot to comparatively simple work steps, there are some complex work steps which the surgeon may plan but which he/she has to execute manually. In craniofacial surgery osteotomised bone segments are deformed by hand to a shape given by the planning system. We support the execution of pre-planned deformation by comparison of the actual shape of an object with the target shape. The actual shape is obtained intra-operatively with a surface scanning device, the deviation from the target shape are visualised by projecting colour-coded error values directly on the object to be deformed. The surgeon uses these projections to adjust further deformation steps. The system is therefore able to validate the correct execution of planned deformations, especially of bony structures.
An Immersive Simulation System for Provoking and Analyzing Cataplexy
Authors: Augustine Kurt  , Cameron Bruce  , Camp Jon  , Krahn Lois  , Robb Richard
Published: February 2025

Cataplexy, a sudden loss of voluntary muscle control, is one of the hallmark symptoms of narcolepsy, a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. Cataplexy is usually triggered by strong, spontaneous emotions, such as laughter, surprise, fear or anger, and is more common in times of stress. The Sleep Disorders Unit and the Biomedical Imaging Resource at Mayo Clinic are developing interactive display technology for reliably inducing cataplexy during clinical monitoring. The use of immersive displays may help bypass patient defenses, and game-like “unreality” allows introduction of surprising, threatening, or humorous elements, with little risk of offending patients. The project is referred to as the “Cataplexy/Narcolepsy Activation Program”, or CatNAP. We have developed an automobile driving simulation to allow the introduction of humorous, surprising, or stress-inducing events and objects as the patient attempts to navigate a simulated vehicle through a virtual town. The patient wears a stereoscopic head-mounted display, by which he views the virtual town through the windows of his simulated vehicle. The vehicle is controlled via a driving simulator steering wheel and pedal cluster. The patient is instructed to drive his vehicle to another location in town, given initial directions and street signs. As he attempts to accomplish the task, various objects, sounds or conditions occur which may distract, startle, frustrate or cause laughter; responses which may trigger a cataplectic episode. The patient can be monitored by reflex tests and EMG recordings during the driving experience. An evaluation phase with volunteer patients previously diagnosed with cataplexy has been completed. The goal of these trials was to gain insight from the volunteers as to improvements that could be made to the simulation. All patients that participated in the evaluation phase have been under a physician's care for a number of years and control their cataplexy with medication. We believe this is a novel and innovative approach to a difficult problem. CatNAP is a compelling example of the potentially effective application of virtual reality technology to an important clinical problem that has resisted previous approaches. Preliminary results suggest that an immersive simulation system like CatNAP will be able to reliably induce cataplexy in a controlled environment. The project is continuing through a final stage of refinement prior to conducting a full clinical study.
A Virtual Fluoroscopy System and its use for Image Guidance in Unicompartmental Knee Surgery
Authors: Phillips R  , Peter V  , Faure G-E  , Li Q  , Sherman KP  , Viant WJ  , Bielby M  , Mohsen Amma
Published: February 2025

The C-arm fluoroscope is an indispensable intraoperative 2D imaging device for orthopaedic surgery. However, its frequent use in an operation presents a significant radiation hazard to the theatre staff and patient. A recent technique known as virtual fluoroscopy (VF) enhances the fluoroscope’s capability for image guided surgery by tracking optically the position of the C-arm, surgical instruments and the patient. Virtuality is achieved by overlay of surgical instruments onto one or more previously captured fluoroscopic images. A key benefit of VF is that it reduces considerably the radiation hazard. This paper reports on a new VF technique for tracking and calibration of the fluoroscopic C-arm. Also reported is the use of our VF system to provide a new image guided technique for the accurate placement of the femoral component of unicompartmental knee prosthesis.
Virtual Environment System for Motor Tele-Rehabilitation
Authors: Piron Lamberto  , Tonin Paolo  , Atzori Andrea Massimiliano  , Zanotti Elena  , Massaros Cristiano  , Trivello Elena  , Dam Mauro
Published: February 2025

The present cutting-edge communication technology applied to the rehabilitation may change the real possibility of providing therapeutic treatments to the patients at their home. In order to confirm this assertion a current study on motor telerehabilitation was undertaken. Through a virtual reality based system, and a complementary video conference apparatus, we supplied five post stroke patients with a motor rehabilitation therapy. The rehabilitation technique was based on the augmented feedback. Subjects underwent the telerehabilitation program for six weeks. Before and after the therapy, arm motor performance and the activities of daily living were evaluated by the means of clinical scales and measuring the affected arm velocity (endeffector). This pilot study suggested that telerehabilitation could promote the learning of arm motor abilities at distance from the health facilities. From an economic point of view, it could be proposed also as an opportune strategy for saving resources.
Feature Preserving Refinement of Surfaces for Web-based Surgical Simulation
Authors: Saito Mitsuaki  , Hayashi Takamichi  , Takebe Yoshifumi  , Wakita Akira  , Kobayashi Masahiro  , Chiyokura Hiroaki
Published: February 2025

In plastic surgery, 3D models of the affected part are often used for the purpose of visualizations and surgical simulations. The optimal models for web-based surgical simulations keep high accuracy in affected parts and keep low accuracy in other parts. Consequently, the data size becomes small. In this research, we propose a method to generate free-form surfaces based on Lattice Structure from polygonal meshes. The polygonal meshes are generated automatically from CT and MRI data using Marching Cubes. By changing the resolution of input images, the accuracy of output meshes is controlled. Free-form surfaces based on Lattice Structure are fitted to polygonal meshes. Lattice Structure is a method to manage a free-form surface with a simple base polygonal mesh. The data size is quite small because surface shape is converted and saved as a simple polygon. A free-form surface is quickly generated and high accuracy is maintained. Moreover, users can input character lines and they are reflected as boundaries of patches. The models generated with this method are partly accurate and compact. These data make it possible to simulate surgery on the WWW, because they can be quickly transferred
Interactive Visualization of Four-Dimensional Ultrasound Data
Authors: Shekhar Raj  , Zagrodsky Vladimir
Published: February 2025

We present a hardware-accelerated method using three-dimensional (3D) textures to visualize four-dimensional (4D) images of the heart. Novel data subdivision and caching ideas enable interactive performance even though 4D data exceed the size of 3D texture memory. The capability to visualize 4D images is critical to continued evolution and clinical acceptance of 4D imaging.
Reshaping Medical Volumetric Data for Enhanced Visualization
Authors: Silver D.  , Gagvani N.
Published: February 2025

Three dimensional volume datasets are now commonly produced in the medical sciences. These datasets are generated by observational equipment such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound. There is a significant amount of research in techniques to render these datasets quickly and more realistically. However, there is little or no work on intuitive methods to manipulate volume datasets and volume models. For example, one may want to view a colon stretched out or unraveled. While techniques exist to transform polygonal models, similar techniques are not available for volumetric data. In this work, we describe our methodology to “reshape volumes” and remap existing volumetric datasets using volumetric skeletons. We demonstrate our results by unraveling a 3D colon dataset and discuss the many potential uses of this new visualization methodology.
A system for simulation and monitoring of robot-assisted and navigation-assisted surgical interventions (Part 1)
Authors: Stien Malte  , Hein Andreas  , Szymanski Daniel  , Lueth Tim
Published: February 2025

Location monitoring systems for surgical applications are getting more and more common in clinical daily life. Navigation treatment systems are also a form of a location monitoring system. These systems always consist of an optical, US-, electromagnetic or mechanical navigation system. If two or more navigation systems are combined or one navigations system is combined with a robot system the kinematic model of the entire system consists of closed kinematic loops. In this paper, an approach is presented to gain more information from the closed kinematic chains instead of breaking the kinematic loops.
TEMPORAL BONE DISSECTION SIMULATION — AN UPDATE
Authors: Stredney D  , Wiet Gregory J  , Bryan J  , Sessanna D  , Murakami Jim  , Schmalbrock P  , Powell Kimerly  , Welling B
Published: February 2025

We report on our continued development of a virtual simulation for temporal bone dissection that provides stereoscopic display, haptic feedback, and aural simulation into a straightforward, comprehensive learning environment. The multimodal interface provides a seamless simulation for non-deterministic drilling and cutting of bone in the surgical context, as well as an intuitive interface for the intelligent tutor for learning regional anatomy. We present novel methodologies for integrating multimodal and multiresolution data sets, including extension to functional and structural segmentation. We will present our initial efforts to validate this environment. Through continued iterations, it is our hope that the system will provide a valuable tool for training future otologic surgeons as well as an environment for the quantitative evaluation of surgical skill.
The Communication Between Therapist and Patient in Virtual Reality: The Role of Mediation Played by Computer Technology
Authors: Vincelli Francesco  , Molinari Enrico  , Riva Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

Even if the number of reported application is constantly increasing, understanding how to use immersive virtual reality (VR) to support clinical practice presents a substantial challenge for the designers and users of this emerging technology. These opposite faces are resulting from the peculiar characteristics of VR. In fact, VR is not simply a particular collection of technological hardware, but can be considered as a new medium defined in terms of its effect on both basic and major psychological processes. In particular, the essence of VR is the inclusive relationship between the participant and the virtual environment, where direct experience of the immersive environment constitutes communication. Starting from this vision, the chapter tries to outline a theoretical framework for supporting the development and tuning of clinical oriented VR systems.
Virtual Reality-Based Post-Stroke Hand Rehabilitation
Authors: Boian R.  , Sharma A.  , Han C.  , Merians A.  , Burdea G.  , Adamovich S.  , Recce M.  , Tremaine M.  , Poizner H.
Published: February 2025

A VR-based system using a CyberGlove and a Rutgers Master II-ND haptic glove was used to rehabilitate four post-stroke patients in the chronic phase. Each patient had to perform a variety of VR exercises to reduce impairments in their fmger range of motion, speed, fractionation and strength. Patients exercised for about two hours per day, five days a week for three weeks. Results showed that three of the patients had gains in thumb range (50-140%) and finger speed (10-15%) over the three weeks trial. All four patients had significant improvement in finger fractionation (40-118%). Gains in finger strength were modest, due in part to an unexpected hardware malfunction. Two of the patients were measured against one-month post intervention and showed good retention. Evaluation using the Jebsen Test of Hand Function showed a reduction of 23-28% in time completion for two of the patients (the ones with the higher degrees of impairment). A prehension task was performed 9-40% faster for three of the patients after the intervention illustrating transfer of their improvement to a functional task.
Simplified Calibration System for Stereoradiography in Scoliosis
Authors: Mitton D.  , Dumas R.  , Laporte S.  , Le Borgne P.  , Bataille Ph.  , Quidet D.  , Skalli W.
Published: February 2025

Stereoradiography is a well known method to obtain 3D images of the spine and the thorax. The main algorithm used is the DLT, which is a very general one yielding to 11 implicit parameters per view. In order to calibrate the geometrical configuration of the stereoradiographic setup with this algorithm, there is a need of a wide calibrating object, leading to systems hard to use in clinical practice. The aim of this work was to modify the algorithm in order to simplify the calibration object. We used assumptions related to the specific case of stereoradiography, which reduced the problem of calibration to only 6 independent explicit parameters. A geometrical calibration performed plane by plane enabled to design a singular calibration object composed of steel balls along two vertical lines and three horizontal ones. A simulation of real configuration both for the previous method and the current algorithm associated to the singular calibrating object give for thirty 3D points a 2 RMS (95 % confidence interval) error of reconstruction of respectively 0.6 and 0.3 mm. This study yielded to the transfer in clinics of two simplified systems of calibration which will be easier to use in clinical practice.
3D Reconstruction and Analysis of the Vertebral Body Line
Authors: Lelong Pierre  , Gerard Olivier  , Makram-Ebeid Sherif  , Verdonck Bert  , Breeuwer Marcel  , Nijlunsing Rutger  , Cheung John  , Veldhuizen Albert
Published: February 2025

Quantitative analysis of 3D spinal deformities includes measurements related to individual vertebrae and measurements related to the overall shape of the spine. For the latter aspect, we propose to build a 3D model of the line that connects all vertebrae centres. We present two methods that allow reconstructing this vertebral body line in a quick and easy way. Various new descriptors of the spinal shape can be automatically computed. A study is under way to assess their clinical relevance and reliability.
Idiopathic Scoliosis and Quality of Life
Authors: Freidel Klaus  , Reichel Dagmar  , Steiner Angela  , Warschburger Petra  , Petermann Franz  , Weiss Hans-Rudolf
Published: February 2025

Scoliosis may lead to multiple impairments depending on its seriousness. Here we have to make the distinction between direct impairments in the physical field and indirect impairments in the psychosocial field. The findings of different studies indicate that the psychosocial situation in juvenile and adult scoliotic patients is characterized by increased strain.The present study is meant to answer the question in which fields of quality of life female scoliotic patients are impaired and if these impairments are dependent of age or seriousness of illness (Cobb angle).
Investigation of Muscle Recruitment Patterns in Scoliosis Using a Biomechanical Finite Element Model
Authors: Garceau P.  , Beausejour M.  , Cheriet F.  , Labelle H.  , Aubin C.E.
Published: February 2025

The objective of this project is to study the characteristics of trunk muscle recruitment strategies experimentally observed for scoliotic subjects using a finite element model of the trunk. The personalized biomechanical model includes elements representing the osseo-ligamentous structures of the spine, rib cage and pelvis. It also integrates the principal agonistic muscles necessary for trunk movement and a neural control model based on the Equilibrium Point hypothesis (λ model of Feldman). Muscle recruitment patterns of normal and scoliotic subjects obtained from the simulation of lateral bending movements were qualitatively compared. The generation process of motor control variables was studied by analysing the relationships between central commands and spine segment mobility. Differences in recruitment patterns between normal and scoliotic subjects were observed, especially for paraspinal fascicles crossing the thoracic curve segment. The generation of central commands for normal subjects was strongly correlated with the amplitude of bending, but this relation was weaker for scoliotic subjects and this difference was worst at the apex vertebra. These results show that neuromuscular disorders could occur at a local level. The proposed approach should provide a simulation tool to study the multifactorial origin of scoliosis, and to investigate the implication of muscles and central commands in spinal dysfunctions.
Simulations of Rib Cage Surgery for the Management of Scoliotic Deformities
Authors: Gréalou L.  , Aubin C.-É.  , Sevastik J.A.  , Labelle H.
Published: February 2025

Costoplasties are surgical options to treat rib cage deformities. The main concern of rib resections is often for the cosmetic improvement of the back shape of the patient. Other experimental and clinical studies have shown that a costoplasty can also produce mechanical correction of the spine. Based on the assumption that surgery on the rib cage can alter the equilibrium of forces acting on the spine, this study aims to investigate the biomechanical role of the ribs during the surgical treatment of scoliosis using a finite element model of the spine and rib cage. The model was generated from patient-specific geometric data. Concave side rib shortening and convex side rib lengthening have been simulated and evaluated. Slight post-operative immediate geometrical correction of the spine was found in any of the simulations. However, both kinds of simulation induced similar loads on the vertebral endplates. Resulting torques in the frontal plane tended to correct the scoliotic spine in the frontal plane acting against vertebral wedging. Important torques were also found in the sagittal plane, increasing the physiological kyphosis, and derotational torques promoted the improvement of the transverse plane deformation. This biomechanical analysis showed that appropriate rib surgery may counteract the progression of the spine deformity depending on the remaining growth potential. These findings support the concept of early interventions on the rib cage that may be a new approach of treatment to prevent curve progression in small to moderate idiopathic scoliotic deformities.
Surface Topography and the Several Components of Scoliotic Deformity
Authors: Goldberg C.J.  , Moore D.P.  , Fogarty E.E.  , Dowling F.E.
Published: February 2025

Using previously established values for the smallest detectable difference in topographic parameters, the effectiveness of the Quantec system for monitoring progress in scoliosis was investigated. It was found that, while a significant change in Cobb angle was always accompanied by a meaningful change in at least one topographic parameter, the pattern of shape change was highly individual. It is concluded that deformity in scoliosis is not determined exclusively by the spinal curve.
Cluster Analysis of Wisconsin Breast Cancer Dataset Using Self-Organizing Maps
Authors: Pantazi Stefan  , Kagolovsky Yuri  , Moehr Jochen R.
Published: February 2025

This work deals with multidimensional data analysis, precisely cluster analysis applied to a very well known dataset, the Wisconsin Breast Cancer dataset. After the introduction of the topics of the paper the cluster analysis concept is shortly explained and different methods of cluster analysis are compared. Further, the Kohonen model of self-organizing maps is briefly described together with an example and with explanations of how the cluster analysis can be performed using the maps. After describing the data set and the methodology used for the analysis we present the findings using textual as well as visual descriptions and conclude that the approach is a useful complement for assessing multidimensional data and that this dataset has been overused for automated decision benchmarking purposes, without a thorough analysis of the data it contains.
Clinical Decision Support System in Dementia Care
Authors: Lindgren Helena  , Eklund Patrik  , Eriksson Sture
Published: February 2025

In this paper we present a prototype system as a tool for clinical decision support in the domain of cognitive diseases. The number of patients is increasing while the number of patients that the general practitioner (GP) meets in primary care still is too low to make the GP well trained in diagnostics and management of patients in the area of cognitive diseases. In addition, new treatment strategies are established in clinical routine directed towards cognitive deficiencies with behavioural and psychological symptoms in the presence of dementia (BPSD).
Computer Aided Interactive Remote Diagnosis of Parkinsonians
Authors: Fazekas Csaba  , Vörös Tibor  , Keresztényi Zoltán  , Kozmann György  , Laczkó József
Published: February 2025

We develop a diagnostic tool to support the objective diagnosis of Parkinsonians. We suggest a cost and time efficient diagnostic tool: patients may complete exercises using a personal computer at home and the data is gathered for further studies via Internet in a central database.
Information and Logistics for Homecare
Authors: Bricon-Souf N.  , Beuscart-Zéphir M-C  , Watbled L.  , Anceaux F.  , Beuscart R.
Published: February 2025

TELECOS is a regional project whose ambition is to use new cooperation tools, in the context of homecare, in order to facilitate the coordinated cooperative work of health actors. Homecare can improve the quality of life for the patient and reduce costs but it also induces a lot of difficulties during organisation and care. We aim at knowing more about the activity of cooperation in the homecare context and proposing a cooperation platform which answers to the specific needs generated during homecare and which integrates new applications. In this paper, we present the results of our study of homecare. The activity analysis leads us to determine two specific processes : one concerns the implementation of human and material resources and design of the homecare protocol (the logistics process) and the other concerns the coordination of the healthcare actors during effective homecare (the care process). The first process is composed of five main phases during which an healthcare professional is required as coordinator. We then present the Worklow model used to represent the cooperation activity in homecare. We describe the activity : the tasks and sub- tasks are represented in a declarative way. We then briefly present our prototype, devoted to homecare management, implementing the different phases of the information process, developed in JAVA.
The Simulation of Emergency Cases and other Computer-Based Learning Programs on the Internet for Medical Students and Young Doctors
Authors: Grabowski Marcin  , Rudowski Robert
Published: February 2025

The aim of the project was to evaluate several of the most interesting Internet “interactive patient” programs, as well as simulations of real clinical cases, and to compare them with a program “The Simulation of Emergency Cases” described in this work, and created by the Students' Research Group at the Department of Medical Informatics, the Medical University of Warsaw.
Spinal Mobility and EMG Activity in Idiopathic Scoliosis Through Dynamic Lateral Bending Tests
Authors: Ciolofan OC  , Aubin C-E  , Mathieu PA  , Beauséjour M  , Feipel V  , Labelle H
Published: February 2025

Lateral bending test is a common evaluation of AIS patients prior to their surgical correction. Traditionally this evaluation is made by the assessment of the curve's flexibility from side-bending radiographs. As a complement to this static test, dynamic bending was experimented while simultaneously quantifying muscular and kinematic behavior of the spine. The biggest contribution to total EMG output was 36% from lumbar muscles in healthy and 35% from abdominal muscles in scoliotic subjects. Continuous measuring of kinematics and muscle activation patterns throughout lateral bending could be an evaluation tool for distinguishing pathological from normal behavior.
Etiologic Theories of Idiopathic Scoliosis: The Apical Spinal Deformity – Relevance to Surgical Practice
Authors: Burwell R.G.  , Pratt R K  , Webb J.K.
Published: February 2025

The current successful management of idiopathic scoliosis is an orthopaedic and not a paediatric responsibility. Hence the immediate aim of etiologic research is to improve surgical treatments based on a better understanding of the causation of the deformity. This focuses attention on the pathomechanisms of the spinal and ribcage deformities. The mechanisms of spinal deformity about the apex are unresolved but may be caused by forces created in the anterior spinal column [28]. Some current theories with practical application involve (1) front-back spinal growth mechanisms, (2) rib growth asymmetry and (3) muscles. Conclusions. The application of theory to surgical practice is advanced for concepts of front-back spinal growth asymmetry but rib hump reassertion occurs after surgery and these concepts ignore the ribcage as a possible factor in scoliosis pathogenesis. A theory of ribcage asymmetry involving concave rib overgrowth is beginning to be evaluated surgically. After surgery for IIS and AIS reassertion of the deformity has been shown to involve preoperative spinal and concave rib factors; the larger the concave rib-spinal angle the better results at 2-5 year. Muscular factors that may trigger/exacerbate the apical spinal deformity of scoliosis need more research. The concept that AIS pathogenesis involves putative neuromuscular dysfunction that deforms an immature spine is considered likely by several workers.
Personalized Biomechanical Modeling of Boston Brace Treatment in Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Périé D. D.  , Aubin C.E.  , Lacroix M.  , Lafon Y.  , Dansereau J.  , Labelle H.
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to describe how the Boston brace modify the scoliotic curvatures using a finite element (FE) model and experimental measurements. The experimental protocol, applied on 12 scoliotic girls, was composed of the pressure measurement at the brace-torso interface followed by two radiographic acquisitions of the patient’s torso with and without brace. A 3D FE model of the trunk was built for each unbraced patient. The brace treatment was represented by two different modeling approaches: 1) using equivalent forces calculated from the measured pressures; 2) by an explicit personalized FE model of the brace (hexahedral elements) and its interface with the torso (contact elements). In the first model, measured brace forces less than 40N and up to 113N induced respectively less than 21% and up to 87% of real correction. Thoracic forces induced the main correction, affecting partially both lumbar and thoracic curves, in agreement with the literature. In the second model, the brace closing reduced the curves up to 35% of real correction. Contact reaction forces (16-79N) were similar to real brace forces (11-72N). The results suggested that other mechanisms than brace pads contribute to the equilibrium of the patients. Postural control by the muscular system remains a problem to address in a future study. The second model represented more realistically the load transfer from the brace to the spine than external forces application. With such model, it is expected to predict the effect of a brace before its design and manufacturing, and also to improve its design.
Idiopathic Scoliosis. Segmental Fusion With Transpedicular Screws
Authors: Christodoulou A.  , Ploumis A.  , Zidrou C.  , Terzidis J.  , Pournaras J.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the surgical correction of the scoliotic curve with the use of segmental pedicle screw fixation system is effective.
Spine Deformity Correlates Better Than Trunk Deformity with Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients’ Quality of Life Questionnaire Responses
Authors: Asher Marc  , Lai Sue Min  , Burton Doug  , Manna Barbara
Published: February 2025

Aim : To determine whether either spine or trunk deformity measurements correlate with patients quality of life questionnaire responses.
Assessing the Impact of Pelvic Obliquity in Post-operative Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Authors: Moreau M.  , Mahood J.  , Moreau K.  , Berg D.  , Hill D.  , Raso J.
Published: February 2025

The goal of this pilot study was to explore the relationship between pelvic obliquity and patient pain, sitting tolerance, pressure sores, and function. Five neuromuscular patients who underwent spinal surgery 6-26 weeks prior to assessment took part in this on-going study (4F; IM); age at surgery (14.6 ± 2.6 years). Pelvic obliquity was measured from pre- and post-operative anterior-posterior radiographs. A force-sensing pad with a grid of sensors was placed on a flat surface and the weight distribution pattern was recorded. The pressures were divided into left and right sides and peak levels were noted on each side. The parents or caregivers completed a questionnaire on their child's pain, sitting tolerance, pressure sores, and functional abilities. Pelvic obliquity was reduced after surgery by approximately 50% depending on the method used to assess pelvic obliquity. The major curve was reduced from 64°(10°) to 39° (10 ). Post operatively, the average pressure (left/right side) ranged from 1.2 to 2.0 (average 1.6). The peak pressure ratio ranged from 1.1 to 1.9 (average 1.4). The ratio of left/right pressure correlated with improvement in pelvic obliquity (r2=0.9). Pain was moderate/severe in the 2 patients with the least correction as measured with the Cobb angle from surgery; both improved following surgery. Two patients suffered pressure sores pre-operatively and one post-operatively. Only 3/5 felt sitting endurance had increased. All parents felt their child sat straighter after surgery. The outcome measures of pain, pressure sores, sitting tolerance, and function were not well related to the amount of pelvic obliquity. More candidates and a longer follow-up may shed light on the many relationships.
Current and Emerging Business Models in the Health Care Information Technology Industry: A View from Wall Street
Authors: Frank Seth
Published: February 2025

When we think about health care IT, we don’t just think about clinical automation with the movement to computerized physician order entry (CPOE), but also the need to upgrade legacy financial and administrative systems to interact with clinical systems. Technology acceptance by physicians remains low, and computer use by physicians for data entry and analysis remains minimal. We expect this trend to change, and expect increased automation to represent gradual change. The HCIT space is dynamic, with many opportunities, but also many challenges. The unique nature of the end market buyers, existing business models, and nature of the technology makes this a challenging but dynamic area for equity investment.
The Dynamic Patient Simulator: Learning Process, First Results and Students’ Satisfaction
Authors: Buysse H.  , Van Maele G.  , De Moor G.J.E.
Published: February 2025

The Dynamic Patient Simulator (DPS) is an interactive case-program. After solving the case, third year médical students filled in an anonymous questionnaire. In this study we tried to have insight in the students’ learning process and satisfaction. First results are presented. It seems that the Implementation of the case was experienced as positive. The time aspect should be scheduled better and students should have as much time as they want to solve the case.
Automatic Segmentation of the Liver for Preoperative Planning of Resections
Authors: Lamecker Hans  , Lange Thomas  , Seebaß Martin  , Eulenstein Sebastian  , Westerhoff Malte  , Hege Hans-Christian
Published: February 2025

This work presents first quantitative results of a method for automatic liver segmentation from CT data. It is based on a 3D deformable model approach using a-priori statistical information about the shape of the liver gained from a training set. The model is adapted to the data in an iterative process by analysis of the grey value profiles along its surface normals after nonlinear diffusion filtering. Leave-one-out experiments over 26 CT data sets reveal an accuracy of 2.4 mm with respect to the manual segmentation.
Simulating Needle Insertion and Radioactive Seed Implantation for Prostate Brachytherapy
Authors: Alterovitz Ron  , Pouliot Jean  , Taschereau Richard  , Joe Hsu I-Chow  , Goldberg Ken
Published: February 2025

We are developing a simulation of needle insertion and radioactive seed implantation to facilitate surgeon training and planning for brachytherapy for treating prostate cancer. Inserting a needle into soft tissues causes the tissues to displace and deform: ignoring these effects during seed implantation leads to imprecise seed placements. Surgeons should learn to compensate for these effects so seeds are implanted close to their pre-planned locations. We describe a new 2-D dynamic FEM model based on a 7-phase insertion sequence where the mesh is updated to maintain element boundaries along the needle shaft. The locations of seed implants are predicted as the tissue deforms. The simulation, which achieves 24 frames per second using a 1250 triangular element mesh on a 750Mhz Pentium III PC, is available for surgeon testing by contacting ron@ieor.berkeley.edu.
Validation of Medical Modeling & Simulation Training Devices and Systems
Authors: Magee J. Harvey
Published: February 2025

For almost a decade, research has been conducted in many areas of science to develop medical simulation training devices and even comprehensive training systems. To propel the field, the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), an agency of the United States Army Medical Research Materiel Command (USAMRMC), has been managing a portfolio of research projects in the area of Medical Modeling and Simulation (MM&S) since 1999. Significant progress has made to identify and harness enabling technologies. Generally, these developments can be categor-ized in four areas: (1) PC-based interactive multimedia, (2) Digitally Enhanced Mannequins, (3) Virtual Workbench, or “part-task”, simulators, and (4) Total Immersion Virtual Reality (TIVR). Many medical simulation-training systems have shown great potential to improve medical training, but the potential shown has been based largely on anecdotal feedback from informal user studies. Formal assessment is needed to determine the degree to which simulator(s) train medical skills and the degree to which skills learned on a simulator transfer to the practice of care. A robust methodology is required as a basis for these assessments. Several scientific workshops sponsored in 2001 focused on algorithm and metrics development in support of surgical simulation. Also in 2001, TATRC chartered a Simulation Working Group (SWG) to develop a robust methodology upon which to base an assessment of the effectiveness of simulation training devices and systems. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, attention was redirected for a period, and progress was delayed. In the summer of 2002, TATRC chartered a follow-on group called the Validation, Metrics and Simulation (VMAS) Committee. The poster will highlight and summarize the development of the methodology and identify validation studies to be conducted (supported by various funding sources and research programs). The interaction between TATRC and the National Capital Area Medical Simulation Center (NCAMSC) will be noted.
Evaluation of INPRES – Intraoperative Presentation of Surgical Planning and Simulation Results
Authors: Salb Tobias  , Brief Jakob  , Burgert Oliver  , Gockel Tilo  , Hassfeld Stefan  , Muehling Joachim  , Dillmann Ruediger
Published: February 2025

In this paper we present fundamental results of the first evaluation of INPRES in a laboratory environment. While the system itself - an HMD-based approach for intraoperative augmented reality in head and neck surgery - has been described elsewhere several times, this paper will focus on methods and outcome of recently accomplished test procedures.
Medarpa – A Medical Augmented Reality System for Minimal-Invasive Interventions
Authors: Schnaider Michael  , Schwald Bernd  , Seibert Helmut  , Weller Tanja
Published: February 2025

Minimal-invasive operation techniques have become more important and well accepted in the recent years. While offering obvious advantages for the patient, these techniques confront the surgeon with a restricted view of the region of intervention.
3D Reconstruction of Organ Surfaces using Model-based Snakes
Authors: Tolxdorff Thomas  , Derz Claus
Published: February 2025

In this article a new segmentation approach is described that is based on case-based reasoning and a combination of various established image processing concepts described in the current literature. Previously segmented data sets are used as anatomical models that represent the cases, called reference models. They describe the expected surface shape and representation of the organ in the data material. The segmentation task is solved by finding a reference model that is similar to the current data set and then by adapting the reference segmentation to the current data set. Image segmentation can be divided into the steps “determination of the image context”, “selection and adjustment of the reference model”, and “application of the model-based snake”. The necessary interaction time was reduced by more than 60%, including postprocessing to correct for possible segmentation errors.
NeuroVRAC - A Comprehensive Approach to Virtual Reality-based Neurological Assessment and Treatment Systems
Authors: Valvoda Jakob T.  , Assenmacher Ingo  , Dohle Christian  , Kuhlen Torsten  , Bischof Christian
Published: February 2025

We describe a comprehensive software-oriented approach to virtual reality-based neuroscientific systems in order to establish an easy to use framework for neuroscientific assessment and treatment. We have defined a process model and implemented the NeuroVRAC authoring tool for design and execution of experiments in virtual environments. Our system enables the modeling of virtual world objects and the definition of events, which are used to control the experimental process. We have included the virtual test person concept to enhance the sense of presence during the execution of virtual reality-based neuroscientific experiments.
Dynamic MR-Mammography in Virtual Reality
Authors: Englmeier K-H  , Hellwig G  , Griebel J  , Delorme S  , Siebert M  , Brix G
Published: February 2025

In view of an increasing use of breast MRI supplementing X-ray mammography, the purpose of this study was the development of a method for fast and efficient analysis of dynamic MR image series of the female breast. The image data sets were acquired with a saturation-recovery-turbo-FLASH sequence facilitating the detection of the kinetics of the contrast agent concentration in the whole breast with. In addition, a morphological 3D-FLASH data set was acquired. The dynamic image data sets were analyzed by tracer kinetic modeling in order to describe the physiological processes underlying the contrast enhancement in mathe-matical terms and thus to enable the estimation of functional tissue specific parameters, reflecting the status of microcirculation. To display morphological and functional tissue information simultaneously, a multidimensional real-time visualization system (using 3D-texture mapping) was developed, which enables a practical and intuitive human-computer interface in virtual reality. The spatially differentiated representation of the computed functional tissue parameters superimposed on the anatomical information offers several possibilities: improved discernibility of contrast enhancement; inspection of the data volume in 3D-space using the features of rotation and transparency variation; localization of lesions in space and thus fast and more natural recognition of topological coherencies. In a feasibility study, it could be demonstrated that multidimensional visualization of contrast enhancement in virtual reality is a practicable idea. Especially, detection and localization of multiple breast lesions may be an important application.
Web and Mobile secure access to a Web Based Medical System
Authors: Skilogiannis Vasileios  , Panayiotopoulos Themis  , Papadakis Stavros  , Grammenou Virginia  , Mantas Ioannis
Published: February 2025

This paper describes the implementation of the Web Based Pneumonia Chemotherapeutics (WPCh) a Web -based expert system for chemotherapeutic assistantship for nosocomial and community –acquired pneumonia based on different types of data. WPCh can be accessed through World Wide Web or a mobile phone using the relevant script languages. The core of the paper focuses on the usage of security of data and the procedures used to accomplish this task After the log in of the physician, he can take advantage of the various modules of the expert system in order to view chemotherapeutics and save the data that he prefers. The whole procedure can be followed through the interfaces of wap technology.
Morphofunctional Visualization of MR-Mammography in Virtual Reality
Authors: Englmeier K-H  , Hellwig G  , Griebel J  , Delorme S  , Siebert M  , Brix G
Published: February 2025

In view of an increasing use of breast MRI supplementing X-ray mammography, the purpose of this study was the development of a method for fast and efficient analysis of dynamic MR image series of the female breast.. The dynamic image data sets were analyzed by tracer kinetic modeling in order to describe the physiological processes underlying the contrast enhancement in mathematical terms and thus to enable the estimation of functional tissue specific parameters, reflecting the status of microcirculation. To display morphological and functional tissue information simultaneously, a multidimensional real-time visualization system (using 3D-texture mapping) was developed, which enables a practical and intuitive human-computer interface in virtual reality.
Using discharge letters and context representation in information retrieval of medical literature
Authors: Bellika Johan Gustav  , Hartvigsen Gunnar  , Norum Jan
Published: February 2025

Electronic discharge letters are in many cases insufficient as a recipe for further treatment and recovery. Through using discharge letters as input to our neural network based information retrieval system Pasent, we have been able to provide relevant medical information. The Pasent search method uses predefined knowledge about the context, paired with the vocabulary of the input document, to compute a relevance measure for a potential result document. In the reported experiments, we achieved search results comparable to the tfidf method without building specialised context models for the experiment
Software Support for Organ Transplant Management
Authors: Calisti Monique  , Funk Petra  , Brunschwig Patrick
Published: February 2025

This paper focuses on the Organ Transplant Management (OTM) process defined as the set of activities that need to be coordinated before the surgery operation itself can take place. The main goal is to understand how the different OTM tasks are interrelated, in order to build an innovative software system that aims to support medical practitioners involved in the various decision-making steps. The current work and the extensive discussions with experts in this area provided ground for the definition of the OTM system. We argue that this tool, when integrated in real hospitals and transplant centres, will facilitate many of the tasks currently performed by humans, and will allow optimisation of precious resources such as time and personnel.
Automatic detection of microcalcifications in mammography using a neuromimetic system based on retina
Authors: Vibert Jean-François  , Valleron Alain-jacques
Published: February 2025

The incidence of breast cancer in France is roughly 26, 000 and the annual number of deaths is 11,000. The mammography is the choice examination for the early identification of the tumours in an asymptomatic population. This is a simple, reliable, inexpensive examination, allowing to identj a grave and frequent pathology, but that can be the object of an effective treatment if early detected Tthe recognition of the microcalcifications in the mammographies is the key for early detection of cancers. Automatic detection methods were already proposed, but they have a very weak specificity and a relatively low sensibility. Currently, the eyeof the expert still remains the better judge.
ADEMA: A Decision Support System for Asthma Health Care
Authors: Sefion Icham  , Ennaji Abdel  , Gailhardou Marc  , Canu Stéphane
Published: February 2025

Asthma is a distressing disease, affecting up to 7% of the French population and causing considerable morbidity and mortality. A medical decision support system such can help physicians to control this chronic disease. Thanks to the health care network (RESALIS©) of Fedialis Médica (disease management branch from GlaxoSmithKline), asthma consultation data were collected to exploit them. We chose Case-Based Reasoning paradigm to develop our medical decision support system. Intelligent data analysis methods have been used to determine the case model for our system. Our similarity metric is based on the MVDM method We developed two methods to reuse retrieved cases. We present our data analysis results and similarity metric from which we designed our Case Based System for asthmatic patients health care : ADEMA. To conclude, an evaluation of ADEMA is presented