Computational design of biostructures

This chapter describes the application of medical imaging, computer-aided design, and additive manufacturing in the field of biostructures. It covers how these techniques are used to create computer models of patient anatomy, plan surgical procedures, design, and produce custom devices. The range of technologies and processes used in each stage is covered in general terms for those not familiar with them or new to the field and case studies are used to illustrate how these techniques have been used in practice in recent years. Introduction: This section introduces the techniques of biostructure modelling and subsequent device production. A brief history and review of relevant literature contextualizes the chapter. Medical imaging: This section introduces the two primary medical imaging modalities used to generate the data necessary to create biostructure computer and physical models. This includes a brief description of computer tomography, cone beam computer tomography, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and surface scanning. Essential details on how to obtain suitable quality data, illustrations of typical issues, and emerging trends are covered. Image processing: This section covers the processing of medical imaging data for the creation of computer-based biostructure models. Details of the common software approaches and associated methods of creating useable data are covered through case examples. An overview of the common file formats used in the creation of biostructures and a range of illustrated examples are also provided. Additive manufacturing and 3D printing: This section introduces fabrications technologies used in the production of biostructure models and associated devices used in surgery. A description of the additive manufacturing/3D printing principles provides the context for a brief review of various technologies currently used in the discipline and emerging techniques described in the literature. This section also touches on considerations such as biocompatibility, cleaning, and sterilization. Research and case examples: A range of case studies that illustrate how the techniques discussed have been used in the design and production of surgical and prosthetic devices are covered in this section. Focus is given to cranio-maxillofacial and orthopedic applications where a combination of computer-aided planning, computer-aided design (CAD), and additive manufacture production have been used to produce biostructures and functional devices. Discussion and conclusions: This section reviews the chapter and discusses the current research and application challenges. Conclusions on where research is currently focused and how it may begin to achieve clinical implementation are provided.