This is a collection of frequently asked questions about the VOXEL-MAN My Cases surgery simulator.
1 What’s the difference between Tempo and My Cases?
VOXEL-MAN Tempo is a virtual training simulator for ear surgery, with built-in (predefined) training cases and tasks. VOXEL-MAN My Cases does not provide built-in cases, but allows you to create new training cases and tasks from imported CT data.
2 Does it work with the CT scanner in our hospital?
Most likely, yes. All modern CT scanners can export tomographic images in DICOM format, which is an ISO standard for medical images (although with private elements). VOXEL-MAN My Cases can read DICOM images and has been tested successfully with more than 50 scanner types.
3 Can I also use CBCT images?
Yes, images from cone beam CT can also be used.
4 Can I use micro CT?
Yes, as long as the images are in DICOM format.
5 Are there any specific requirements for the acquisition parameters?
The data sets can be processed regardless of the selected acquisition parameters. All clinical data in which the structures of interest are clearly visible are basically suitable.
6 Can I import images from MRI?
Technically, yes. However, in magnetic resonance imaging, there are no simple relations between tissue types and intensity values as in CT. For example, air and bone both appear as black, so it may be very difficult to separate them.
7 How are the 3D models created?
It is based on the interactive segmentation paradigm, which combines simple, but fast operations with the unsurpassed capabilities of human perception. This requires a certain knowledge of human anatomy.
Regions are initially defined by intensity thresholds. If required, they may be further refined using operations such as erosion and dilation, connected components analysis, and volume editing. Segmentation results are immediately visualized on 3D views and orthogonal cross-sections.
A tutorial illustrates the segmentation of several anatomical structures.
8 How long does it take?
3D reconstruction of a pure bone model from CT can be done within just a few minutes. If you want to include various structures at risk, it can take several hours or more. This depends on several factors, including quality of the underlying data (contrast, noise, homogeneity, artifacts etc.), the structures to be represented, and the desired accuracy of the model.
9 Can I use My Cases for sinus surgery?
Yes, you can use it for ear surgery and sinus surgery training. Note however that the nasal region contains various thin bones, which may be below the resolution of the CT scanner and thus appear as false holes.
10 Can I use My Cases in dentistry?
Yes, the VOXEL-MAN My Cases module can also be combined with VOXEL-MAN Dental.
11 Can I use My Cases in orthopedics?
Sure, you can also use VOXEL-MAN My Cases for training in other fields such as shoulder, hip or knee surgery. However, the provided surgical instruments are probably not very well suited for these purposes. If you are interested in a training simulator for your specialty, let us know.
12 Can I use My Cases for surgery rehearsal and planning?
No. VOXEL-MAN ENT is a training device for surgery training. It has not been released by VOXEL-MAN for treatment of human beings and has no regulatory approval for this purpose.
13 Can an imported case be anonymized?
Yes, all personal data of the patient such as the name are anonymized by default.
14 Can an imported case be 3D printed?
Yes, with the optional VOXEL-MAN 3D Printing module.
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