Digital Tools in Healthcare, 3D Print & VR-AR

Marc Schwabenlander
Associate Director, Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach

Abstract: Communicating about complex diseases can be challenging, especially with the ever changing dynamic of worldwide connectedness and limited hands-on and virtual resources. There is an increased need for a variety of educational tools related to animal disease surveillance, food safety, and animal health and welfare. With this in mind and a need to teach people about sample collection for chronic wasting disease (CWD), a prion disease in deer, we developed two 3D printed anatomical deer head models and a companion digital video. The models and associated materials are used to educate the general public, hunters, cervid farmers, veterinary students, and wildlife biologists. Feedback from clients and audiences has allowed us to add new features and refine the models, additionally leading to the public sale of the deer head models. Further, the successes and attention of the deer models lead to interest in a similar bovine head model. The recently completed bovine head model can assist in training meat inspection personnel about lymph tissues and specified risk materials that need to be identified and assessed during the processing and inspection of carcasses for food production. The 3-piece model has transparent skin and colored lymph and glandular tissue to help visualize the location of these difficult to find structures. These physical and virtual 3D models can be used as a stepping stone in creating additional educational tools such as augmented reality interfaces that can be used in simulations. All of which bring our educational tools into the 21st century by harnessing the next generation of educational technology.

Bio: Marc Schwabenlander is the Associate Director at the Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach, and co-founder and COO of Priogen Corp. He is a wildlife disease specialist with a background in wildlife management,  veterinary diagnostics and post-mortem investigation, public health administration and policy, and a life-long history of hunting and actively participating in conservation groups. Marc's research interests include zoonotic infectious diseases, translational research, One Health, and human dimensions of wildlife and disease management. 

David Nascene
Pediatric Neuroradiologist, University of Minnesota

Yu-Hui Huang
Radiology Resident, University of Minnesota

Abstract:  Medical imaging is an essential part of treatment planning for complex surgeries. 3D printed models and guides generated from imaging can provide a deeper understanding of the anatomy and pathology. Patient-specific 3D printed models allow clinicians and trainees to better examine anatomical features through tactile and visuospatial feedback enhancing preoperative planning, intraoperative guidance, and trainee education. Furthermore, these models facilitate discussions with patients and families, allowing for improved decision-making regarding treatment. Our case series consists of 3D printed patient-specific models and guides fabricated from medical imaging data for preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance for veterinarian and human treatments.

David Nascene
Pediatric Neuroradiologist, University of Minnesota

David Nascene is an Associate Professor of Radiology at the University of Minnesota where he is the director of Pediatric Neuroimaging and the 3D Printing and Visualization Lab. His 3D printing interests include creating educational models, medical devices, and training simulators, as well as patient-specific models to facilitate surgeries.

Yu-Hui Huang
Radiology Resident, University of Minnesota

Formally trained in Biomedical Visualization and Clinical Anaplastology, Yu-Hui Huang is currently completing her Radiology residency at the University of Minnesota, where she utilizes 3D printing to assist with clinical care for human and veterinary patients. Dr. Huang is also an adjunct faculty at the University of Illinois at Chicago Graduate Biomedical Visualization Program, where she teaches 3D Printing with Data Segmentation for Medicine and Pathophysiology for Biomedical Visualization. She seeks to combine art, medicine and technology, specifically medical imaging and 3D printing, to improve patient outcomes.

Paul Rothweiler, BMDC Technology Development Program Manager

Paul is the BMDC Technology Development Program Manager & MedWorx Director for the Earl E. Bakken MDC. Paul is an industry leader with over 30-years’ experience leading new product development and commercialization resulting in over $1 Billion in revenue. Paul’s career started as a chemist, developing emulsion and solution systems. The commercial success of those products led to several leadership roles that include operations, regulatory, business transformation, IP management, sales & marketing.  Paul has provided numerous presentations at conferences and contributed to several books most notably ‘Edison in the Boardroom,’ on the subject of fostering innovation, and determining the value of intellectual assets. Paul received a degree in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota.

Gwen Fischer, MD, Associate Chair of Research, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics

Dr. Fischer is an Associate Director of the Earl E. Bakken Medical Devices Center, Associate Chair of Research, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty Member, Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pediatric ECMO Co-Director, UofMN Medical School. Dr. Fischer is a Pediatric Critical Care Physician with a passion for development and testing of innovative medical products and pharmaceuticals. Her expertise is in critical care from preemies to adults, and devices for adults and pediatric patients with an emphasis in congenital heart disease, ECMO, and cardiopulmonary devices. Dr. Fischer founded and directs an industry-academic consortium to accelerate pediatric medical devices (www.thepdic.org). Dr. Fischer has significant experience in developing medical devices and has successfully worked with numerous medical device companies in product development, including clinical studies, and commercialization. Dr. Fischer has con
 sulted with the FDA Pediatric Advisory Committee and reviewed post-market SAE for drugs and devices. Dr. Fischer is a sought-after speaker with a portfolio of publications on medical device, critical care, ECMO, drugs and innovation. Dr. Fischer has received numerous awards including ‘Minnesota’s Top Doctor.”