Case Study - 3D Printing DICOM Files From A CT Scan - Ignitec

16/07/2015
Casestudy:3DprintingDICOMfilesfromaCTscanIgnitec
Case study: 3D printing DICOM files from a CT scan

By Ignitec Posted July 24, 2014 In Case Studies, medical
What is a DICOM file

DICOM stands for Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine and is a standard for handling, storing,
printing, and transmitting information in medical imaging. In this short case study we show how we can
convert DICOM files from a CT (computed tomography) scan of a patient awaiting dental surgery into an STL
file which we can then 3D print. In this case the surgeon needed a 3D print to help visualise the surgery site
and plan the procedure. This process allows surgeons to experience an extra dimension when planning such
procedures, and the ability to fully manipulate and explore the area of interest in the real world before
commencing surgery. The DICOM file exists as a series of many hundreds of cross-sectional slices taken
through an area of the patients body via a CT scan; the combination of all of these 2D cross-sections creates
a 3 dimensional volume which can be processed into a file suitable for 3D printing. The process allows for
separate models to be generated and/or points of interest isolated according to density e.g. soft tissue,
cartilage, bone and enamel.
http://ignitec.com/3dprintingdicomfilesctscan/
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A DICOM file is a series of images generated from a CT scan

and consists of many hundreds of individual slices of a patients
body
The 3D data extracted from the DICOM file

The 3D data from the DICOM file is processed in order to extract the areas of interest, which in this case is
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just hard bone and enamel.
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The DICOM data can be isolated to show only the areas of

interest, these include soft tissue, bone and tooth enamel and
can be recombined to print different tissue in different colours.
The STL file ready for printing

By converting the DICOM file to the universally accepted STL format we are able to produce this model on
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any commercially available 3D printing or additive manufacturing system. It also allows the integration with
other CAD systems and enables the development of prostheses or implants which may in turn also be
produced through additive layer manufacturing techniques. By using this open format there is a lot of
flexibility in the secondary processes that are available.
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An STL file is a triangle mesh and is most universally accepted

file type used in 3D printing.
The benefits of 3D printing CT scan models

Clinicians like to use 3D prints of CT scan imagery as a physical reference prior to surgery to enable more
effective visualisation and planning. Being able to hold the physical body part the clinician will be operating
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on gives an increased degree of understanding and insight into the surgery site. It also presents an array of
opportunities for generating prostheses and implants for reconstructive surgery using CAD modelling and
other digital techniques. This means that these prostheses can be designed and built prior to any surgery
being carried out. The benefits are that not only can the surgeon touch and feel the surgery site, but they also
have the bespoke prostheses on hand to refer to prior to surgery.
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3D printed models of CT scans are an effective way to aid the

visualisation and planning of surgery and as a reference for
teaching. There is a very large range of materials available to
suit the required level of detail and quality, from robust teaching
aids to highly accurate models for display purposes.
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Interested in finding out more?

We are very excited about applications for technology in this area and are constantly researching into new
applications. We are currently working with a number of dental surgeons and equine surgeons to explore
new and exciting applications. If you are interested in contributing, finding out more or would like to send us
a sample DICOM file please give us a call on 0117 329 3420 or email ben.mazur@ignitec.com
Get in touch
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Case Study - 3D Printing DICOM Files From A CT Scan - Ignitec

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Case Study - 3D Printing DICOM Files From A CT Scan - Ignitec

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16/07/2015

Case study: 3D printing DICOM files from a CT scan

What is a DICOM file

A DICOM file is a series of images generated from a CT scan

The 3D data extracted from the DICOM file

just hard bone and enamel.

The DICOM data can be isolated to show only the areas of

The STL file ready for printing

An STL file is a triangle mesh and is most universally accepted

The benefits of 3D printing CT scan models

3D printed models of CT scans are an effective way to aid the

Interested in finding out more?

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