Acquisition, Visualization and Potential Applications of 3D Data in Anatomic Pathology

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Medical Imaging
• Anatomical Sciences

Background:

• Traditional diagnostic tools offer limited 2D representations of 3D human anatomy and histology.
• This limitation hinders a comprehensive understanding of complex biological structures.
• Emerging 3D data acquisition and visualization technologies present a solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review technologies for capturing and displaying three-dimensional (3D) data.
• To explore emerging applications of 3D data in pathology and related fields.
• To highlight the potential impact of 3D data on medical education and research.

Main Methods:

• Review of established and experimental 3D data acquisition strategies.
• Analysis of recent hardware and software innovations in 3D model visualization (virtual and augmented reality).
• Examination of current and potential applications of 3D data in clinical and non-clinical pathology.

Main Results:

• Various techniques exist for capturing macroscopic and microscopic 3D data.
• Virtual and augmented reality enhance the visualization of 3D models.
• Forensic pathology has adopted 3D scanning and model reconstruction, while routine surgical pathology is yet to integrate these technologies.

Conclusions:

• 3D data and visualization technologies offer significant potential to enhance understanding of anatomical and histological structures.
• These advancements promise to revolutionize medical education and research.
• Wider adoption in routine pathology practice is anticipated with further technological development.