Advances in Computational Human Phantoms and Their Applications in Biomedical Engineering - A Topical Review

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Computational Modeling

Background:

• Computational human phantoms (CHPs) have significantly advanced from basic geometric shapes to sophisticated, high-resolution models.
• Modern CHPs offer high anatomical accuracy, poseability, morphability, and detailed functionalization.
• Advances in imaging and segmentation enable rapid, personalized CHP development, including disease-specific models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution of modeling techniques for creating computational human phantoms.
• To discuss the diverse applications of CHPs in biomedical engineering.
• To provide an overview, historical context, recent developments, and future outlook for CHPs.

Main Methods:

• Review of various modeling techniques for CHP creation.
• Discussion of CHP applications in biomedical engineering.
• Analysis of historical development, current advancements, and future trends.

Main Results:

• CHPs have transitioned from simple geometric forms to complex, anatomically accurate, and functionalized models.
• Personalized CHPs, incorporating patient-specific details and diseases, can be rapidly developed.
• The validity and population coverage of CHPs are critical for regulatory submissions of medical devices.

Conclusions:

• CHPs are increasingly sophisticated and vital tools in biomedical engineering.
• The development of personalized and disease-specific CHPs is accelerating.
• Future research will likely focus on enhancing the accuracy, applicability, and regulatory acceptance of CHPs.