Projects / Programmes
Laser triangulation in medicine (LASTRIM)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 7.00.00 |
Interdisciplinary research |
|
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T165 |
Technological sciences |
Laser technology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.11 |
Engineering and Technology |
Other engineering and technologies |
3D metrology, body shape, plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, pulmology, ortopedy, dermatology, nevrology
Researchers (45)
Organisations (5)
Abstract
In medicine, one of the enduring objectives of all parties involved: patients, medical personnel and insurance companies, is primarily to improve the effectiveness of treatment. It is therefore important to detect the earliest stage of disease symptoms and to objectively evaluate and store the corresponding data. Thus, three-dimensional body shape measurement using optical, non-invasive methods is gaining increasing importance. Within this interdisciplinary project we plan to develop new, innovative laser measurement techniques to detect the smallest change of shape and colour of the patient's body, replacing the subjective diagnostic methods with objective ones. The key objectives of the development are high precision, simultaneous capture of skin colour, the possibility to measure dynamic phenomena and simple and reliable operation. An important aim of the research is also immediate verification of the applicability of new methods in individual areas of medicine. For this purpose, the study will involve eight research groups from the fields of laser technology, plastic surgery, orthopaedics, respiratory medicine, dermatology, neurobiology, diabetology and ophthalomology. In cooperation the research teams will develop and apply medical tools and procedures that are innovative on the world scale, within the following topics:
Research and development of laser triangulation systems
3D metrology of deformation and post-operative conditions in orthopaedics
Reliable design and objective assessment of the results in plastic surgery
Measurement of the shape variations of the chest during breathing
3D prediction of the healing of skin ulcers
3D laser method for measuring neurological movement disorders
Laser supported measurement of the orbit shape in eye removal
A special breakthrough is expected in the area of earliest diagnosis, where new methods will complement the existing subjective approaches. On the basis of current experience in research and development of 3D laser measurement systems, we believe that the objectives of the project are entirely feasible. The project group is designed interdisciplinarily. It consists of proven high-level experts in specific fields. They have all cooperated with each other in the past, which is a further indication of the effectiveness of the proposed project.
The proposed research falls within the field of health and life sciences, ranked among the five priority fields by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology. The importance of research is mainly in the generation of new knowledge in the field of medical diagnostics. Medical technology development is going in the direction of non-invasive data acquisition about the functioning of the human body and at the same time towards increasing the objectivness of the measurements. 3D laser metrology meets these two essential elements and is as such in the context of current developments in medical technology.
Significance for science
The research results, in relation to the prior state of the art, have improved in particular in terms of improved accuracy, speed and simplicity of the 3D measurement of the body. Furthermore, new algorithms have been developed for the analysis of alteration of the local shape of the body and the determination of the positions of physical feature. Original contributions to science on all relevant topics constitute the basis for the introduction of new methods of diagnosis and treatment of disease in clinical practice: a) through the establishment of a clinically useful 3D laser measurement system for the field of breast surgery and facial can be applied routinely accurate pre- and postoperative measurements and individual plan and adapt surgery. More comprehensive care of patients with breast cancer was reached. b) Improved principle of measuring the changing shape of the chest allows for more precise chest volume measurement during breathing and efficient breathing training based on visual feedback. c) Laser-assisted measuring the shape of the spine enables a new way of early detection and control of certain diseases of the spine. d) The results of the 3D measurement of skin wounds have enabled a more objective monitoring and understanding the healing of skin wounds. e) With development of optical methods for measuring the three-dimensional orientation of the head in relation to the torso, we introduced a more objective diagnosis and monitoring treatment effects torticollis. f) Diabetic foot can be measured with a 3D measuring device substantially more accurately and faster. A platform for mass customized footwear for patients with diabetes was developed. g) A study of bare and shod feet during walking enabled a development of a new model of calculating the fit of the foot in the shoe. The results provide an important basis for the development of an ergonomically better adapted footwear. The project results will in the future allow wider use of optical 3D measurement systems in medicine.
Significance for the country
The research in the field of laser triangulation has enabled general increase of knowledge in the field of 3D metrology. This knowledge is being already disseminated also into other sectors such as process control and monitoring of product quality through cooperation with industrial partners, through the modernized study process and through the master’s thesis of many students carry over. Second aspect of importance of the results is more precise consideration of patients through innovative diagnosis of disease. All studies were carefully planned by the medical experts, which devoted great emphasis to the practicality and usability. At the end of the project we have developed a family of three innovative 3D handheld measuring systems, covering high, medium and low measuring range. We thus respond to the needs of physicians and co-financier, company Fotona, who need systems for quick and simple measurement of both, the 3D shape, as well as the color of the surface. For a company Fotona is also of great importance that the project is related with a significant portion of the research to the problem, which is particularly interesting in terms of better planning and monitoring the effects of laser procedures. They will be able to develop and optimize laser medical treatments. At the same time there is a possibility of manufacturing and marketing of 3D laser measuring systems, which represents Fotona’s new niche market.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
