Medical Imaging Transformation
Revolutionizing Medical Image Visualization with VR-prep AR
Relaying complex anatomical information between clinicians and to patients is challenging in medical routine and might be improved via direct 3D visualization of image series in augmented reality (AR) in portable devices. We devised a workflow for displaying medical imaging data in augmented reality on smartphones, relying solely on open-source products: 'Medical Imaging XR' (MIXR) application, '3D Slicer' software, and 'Fiji'. We designed a pipeline for image transformation and data harmonization (VR-prep) to expedite and optimize the 3D rendering of DICOM series in MIXR. VR-prep significantly reduced the size of image files to be uploaded to MIXR, without sacrificing quality and readability of images. Due to reduced file size, upload and download times onto the mobile device were significantly lower. Our workflow is suitable for CT, MRI, US and PET-CT, whereas MIXR alone only permits CT data. VR-prep is user-friendly and allows for broader integration of medical imaging data sets in AR, to facilitate clinician to clinician and clinician to patient communication. VR-prep relies exclusively in open-source software making it viable to adopt in a broad range of applications from clinical decision-making, patient communication, and medical education.
Key Impact Metrics
VR-prep delivers tangible improvements across critical medical imaging metrics.
Deep Analysis & Enterprise Applications
Select a topic to dive deeper, then explore the specific findings from the research, rebuilt as interactive, enterprise-focused modules.
Enterprise Process Flow
| Feature | MIXR (Native) | VR-prep (Enhanced) |
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| Supported Modalities |
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| DICOM Series Size Handling |
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| Image Quality Preservation |
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| Open-Source Reliance |
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Enhancing Clinical Decision-Making with Accessible AR
The VR-prep workflow significantly improves the utility of AR for medical imaging, making it more practical for routine clinical use.
Challenge: Traditional AR implementations faced hurdles such as complex integration, high costs, and limited data type support, hindering widespread adoption.
Solution: VR-prep, an open-source solution, streamlines image processing, reduces file sizes, and expands compatibility to various medical imaging modalities beyond CT.
Impact: Clinicians reported improved image quality, better anatomical identification, and increased confidence in using VR-prepped AR images for diagnostics, fostering better communication and education.
Quantify Your ROI Potential
Understand the potential time savings and efficiency gains VR-prep can bring to your medical imaging workflows.
Your Enterprise AI Roadmap
A phased approach to integrate VR-prep and enhance your medical imaging capabilities.
Phase 1: Workflow Integration
Seamlessly integrate VR-prep macros into existing radiological image assessment platforms for direct AR visualization post-export.
Phase 2: Automated PET-CT Alignment
Further steps towards automatization of PET-CT data alignment for single AR compatible image stacks to reduce manual effort.
Phase 3: Expanded Modality Support
Extend compatibility with over 130 file formats via Fiji plugins and integrate non-radiological scientific data like 3D microscopy.
Phase 4: Clinical Validation & Licensing
Conduct extensive clinical validation to move towards medical product licensing, ensuring regulatory compliance and broader adoption.
Ready to Transform Your Medical Imaging Workflow?
Connect with our experts to explore how VR-prep can be customized for your organization's unique needs.