EchoPixel Adds 3D Visualization to Medical Scans

Summary

Eko Pixel's innovative technology revolutionizes the medical field by offering an interactive 3D view of CT scans, providing a 360-degree perspective. This breakthrough allows doctors to accurately pinpoint diseases, overcoming decades of challenges with 2D imaging. The technology enables a more intuitive understanding, potentially reducing time and costs in hospitals. It's particularly beneficial in procedures like virtual colonoscopy, where it can identify precursor lesions that may develop into cancer. The platform's 3D modeling and stylus interaction could significantly improve surgical planning and early detection of critical health issues.

Takeaways

• 🚀 Eko Pixel introduces a groundbreaking virtual reality technology for the medical field, specifically for analyzing CT scans.
• 🌐 The technology provides a 360-degree, interactive 3D view of CT scans, enhancing the precision in locating diseases.
• 🧠 It addresses a longstanding challenge in the medical industry, which has been reliant on 2D views for creating 3D mental models.
• 📈 The process involves importing volumetric data sets, such as a patient's head with an aneurysm, into the system.
• 🖥️ The system allows for a 3D interactive experience where users can 'reach into' the image with a stylus, enhancing spatial understanding.
• 🎯 The stylus changes color to indicate contact with the virtual 3D model, aiding in the manipulation and examination of the data.
• 🔍 Doctors can use the technology to 'cut' into the 3D model, twist, and pull out sections for closer examination, similar to practicing surgery.
• ⏰ This innovation could significantly reduce the time and cost associated with medical imaging, leading to improved clinical outcomes.
• 👨‍⚕️ The technology is particularly beneficial for procedures like CT colonography, where it can help identify potential cancerous lesions more efficiently.
• 🏥 The challenge for Eko Pixel lies in raising awareness and ensuring that medical professionals experience the technology's benefits.
• 💼 There are ongoing discussions and efforts to secure insurance coverage for the use of this advanced 3D visualization technology in medical settings.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of Eko Pixel's technology in the medical field?

Eko Pixel aims to bring virtual reality to the medical world by creating an interactive 3D view of CT scans, allowing doctors to pinpoint the exact location of a disease more accurately.

How does Eko Pixel's technology differ from traditional 2D CT scan views?

Eko Pixel's technology provides a 360-degree, volumetric 3D imagery that enables doctors to see around structures and within the body in ways not possible with traditional 2D views.

What is the significance of the stylus in Eko Pixel's system?

The stylus allows users to interact with the 3D images, such as moving through the data set, selecting areas of interest, and manipulating the 3D model, simulating a more direct and tactile approach to understanding the patient's anatomy.

How does the 3D imaging technology assist in surgical planning?

The 3D imaging technology allows doctors to virtually 'reach into' the actual size of the patient, providing a more intuitive and accurate understanding of the patient's anatomy, which can aid in surgical planning and practice.

What benefits does Eko Pixel's technology offer in terms of time and cost efficiency?

Eko Pixel's technology can reduce time and cost for hospitals and patients by providing precise 3D images, which can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment planning, and potentially reduce the need for additional imaging or invasive procedures.

How does Eko Pixel's technology impact the identification of potential cancerous lesions?

The technology allows radiologists to identify precursor lesions that may develop into cancer more effectively, especially in areas such as the colon, by providing a larger portion of the organ for examination at once and highlighting lesions that are difficult to detect on flatter displays.

What is the potential impact of Eko Pixel's technology on early cancer detection?

The technology can help in early cancer detection by allowing doctors to identify and examine lesions that are more likely to progress to cancer, such as polyps larger than 10 millimeters, potentially saving lives by catching these issues before they become more serious.

What challenges does Eko Pixel face in terms of getting their technology recognized and used?

One of the main challenges Eko Pixel faces is raising awareness among medical professionals and ensuring that doctors experience the ease of interpretation that the technology offers, which they are actively addressing by participating in shows and directly engaging with the medical community.

How does Eko Pixel's technology compare to traditional VR systems like Vive or Oculus?

Eko Pixel's technology is described as 'non-enveloping VR', meaning it does not require a head-mounted display but instead uses a pen and 3D glasses with a special display to view and interact with the scans from every angle.

What are the reimbursement challenges Eko Pixel faces, and how are they addressing them?

Eko Pixel is working to overcome reimbursement challenges by leveraging existing codes for visualizing 3D data, which can help justify the cost of their technology to insurance providers and healthcare institutions.

How does Eko Pixel's technology enhance the workflow for doctors?

By providing a more intuitive and interactive way to view and manipulate 3D medical images, Eko Pixel's technology can lead to better clinical outcomes and improved workflow efficiency, as doctors can save time and think more creatively during diagnosis and treatment planning.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Echo Pixel: Revolutionizing Medical Imaging with 3D VR

Echo Pixel is a startup aiming to integrate virtual reality into the medical field. Their technology allows for the creation of an interactive 3D view of CT scans, providing a 360-degree perspective. This innovation assists doctors in accurately locating diseases. Traditionally, doctors have faced challenges with 2D imaging, struggling to form a 3D mental model. Echo Pixel's system imports volumetric data sets, such as a patient's head with an aneurysm, and enables manipulation of the imagery with a stylus that changes color upon interaction with the virtual object. This tool can be used to 'cut' through the 3D model, offering a realistic preview of surgical procedures. The technology also facilitates a more intuitive understanding of the patient's anatomy, potentially improving clinical outcomes and workflow. It contrasts with traditional 2D CT scans by offering detailed,环绕式 views that can be manipulated in real-time, promising significant time and cost savings for hospitals and patients.

05:02

🤖 Echo Pixel: Enhancing Surgical Planning and Visualization

The second paragraph discusses the practical application of Echo Pixel's technology in surgical planning. Unlike traditional VR headsets, Echo Pixel allows doctors to view and interact with 3D medical scans using a pen and 3D glasses. This method provides a more accessible and less intrusive way to visualize patient data. Surgeons can refer to these 3D models during surgery, enhancing their understanding and planning. The technology also supports 3D printing of models for further study. The speaker, having tried Echo Pixel, acknowledges its potential in early detection of issues and life-saving applications. The script also touches on the reluctance of some doctors to use head-mounted displays for memorizing surgical plans, suggesting that Echo Pixel's approach is more practical and immediate for surgical use.

Keywords

💡Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation of an environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves equipped with sensors. In the context of the video, VR is used to create an interactive 3D view of CT scans, allowing doctors to explore and analyze medical imagery in a more immersive and intuitive manner. The script mentions how this technology can help doctors 'reach into' a patient's head, simulating a real-life surgical exploration.

💡CT Scans

A CT (Computed Tomography) scan is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body's internal structures. The video script highlights how the startup's technology converts 2D CT scans into 360-degree 3D imagery, which is a significant advancement as it enables doctors to better visualize and pinpoint the location of diseases or abnormalities within the body.

💡3D View

A 3D view refers to a perspective that gives the appearance of depth, as opposed to a flat, 2D image. The video emphasizes the importance of 3D views in medical imaging, as they allow doctors to see inside and around structures in the body, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. The script describes how the startup's technology provides a 3D view of a patient's head with an aneurysm, enhancing the understanding of the condition.

💡Volumetric Data Set

A volumetric data set is a collection of data points that represent a three-dimensional space, often used in medical imaging to describe the full extent of an object or structure within the body. In the script, the startup's technology is described as importing about 300 images to create a volumetric data set of a patient's head, which is then used to generate the interactive 3D view.

💡Stylus

A stylus is a pen-like instrument used for controlling and interacting with digital interfaces, often used in conjunction with touch screens or specialized software. The video script describes how the stylus is used to control the 3D imagery, changing color to indicate contact with virtual structures and allowing doctors to manipulate the data set, such as 'pulling out' an aneurysm for closer examination.

💡Cut Plane

In medical imaging, a cut plane is a virtual slice through a 3D data set that allows for the examination of cross-sectional views of the body. The script mentions the ability to grab and manipulate the cut plane in any direction, which is a significant feature of the startup's technology, as it enables doctors to view the data from multiple angles and gain a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition.

💡Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery is a specialized field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting any part of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. The video script discusses how the 3D imaging technology can be particularly beneficial in neurosurgery, as it provides a more intuitive and accurate way for surgeons to plan and practice their procedures.

💡Clinical Results

Clinical results refer to the outcomes of medical treatments or procedures, often measured in terms of patient health improvements or recovery. The script suggests that the use of 3D imaging technology can lead to better clinical results by allowing doctors to save time and think more creatively during diagnosis and treatment planning.

💡CT Colonography

CT Colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy, is a minimally invasive medical procedure that uses X-ray imaging to examine the colon and rectum for polyps or cancer. The video script highlights the use of the startup's technology for CT colonography, emphasizing its ability to identify precursor lesions that may develop into cancer, thus potentially saving lives.

💡Reimbursement Codes

Reimbursement codes are standardized codes used by healthcare providers to bill for medical services and procedures. The script touches on the challenge of getting insurance coverage for new technologies like the startup's 3D imaging. It mentions that there are existing reimbursement codes for visualizing 3D data, which the startup is leveraging to overcome the financial barriers to adoption.

💡Non Enveloping VR

Non-enveloping VR refers to virtual reality experiences that do not completely envelop the user's field of vision, such as those experienced with head-mounted displays. The video script distinguishes the startup's technology as a form of non-enveloping VR, as it uses a pen and 3D glasses in conjunction with a display to provide a 3D view of medical scans, allowing doctors to maintain a more direct interaction with the patient and their environment.

Highlights

Eko Pixel introduces virtual reality technology to the medical field, specifically for creating interactive 3D views of CT scans.

The technology provides a 360-degree view, aiding doctors in accurately locating diseases.

Traditional 2D views have been a challenge for doctors to create 3D mental models.

Eko Pixel's system imports volumetric data sets, such as a patient's head with an aneurysm, into a 3D interactive model.

The system allows for a 3D view where doctors can 'reach into' the patient's head for a more intuitive understanding.

A stylus is used to interact with the 3D model, changing color to indicate contact with the virtual tissue.

Doctors can manipulate the 3D model, pulling out and twisting sections for a detailed view.

The 3D imaging helps in surgical planning, as it provides a real-size model for practice.

The technology can lead to better clinical outcomes by saving time and allowing for more creative thinking.

Traditional 2D CT scans are less efficient and can be more time-consuming for doctors.

Eko Pixel's technology could reduce time and costs for hospitals and patients by providing precise 3D images.

The platform is used for CT colonography, helping to identify precursor lesions that may develop into cancer.

The 3D model allows for the identification of flat lesions in the colon, which are difficult to detect on flat displays.

The technology is described as a 'game-changer' for its engaging and interactive capabilities.

Eko Pixel is actively promoting its technology to doctors and at medical shows to increase awareness.

The technology faces challenges with insurance coverage and reimbursement, but there are codes for 3D visualization that can be utilized.

Eko Pixel's software offers a non-enveloping VR experience, different from traditional headset-based VR.

Doctors can use the technology to zoom in on scans, pull out anomalies, and even 3D print models for further study.

The technology has the potential to revolutionize surgery and early detection of medical issues, potentially saving lives.

Transcripts

eko pixel wants to bring virtual reality

to the medical world the startups new

technology creates an interactive 3d

view of CT scans this is 360 degree

imagery that helps doctors pinpoint the

exact location of a disease knowing the

problems that devoxx have had for 40

plus years of struggling with 2d views

to create 3d information in their brain

that's been a challenge and we had no

technology to resolve that this is a

patient's CT and we're importing about

300 images that is a volumetric data set

of a patient's head that happens to have

an aneurysm all right so I show me what

this is first thing that you should see

is you should see 3d it's like I'm

reaching right into his head yeah but

also notice that if you move around the

display you're gonna be able to see

around that bar and you also have the

stylus so the stylus controls this

blu-ray I had when it's blue it's not

touching anything when it goes through

something visible it turns green and

that's when you can press and hold the

front button and move the data through

this cut plane oh look at that Wow you

can also grab the cut plane uh-huh that

you can apply in any direction that you

want to the data AHA so what I'd like

you to do is put the Ray into that

aneurysm okay press the front button

oh wow oh and you can pull that out Wow

and twist it around you can see around

gangers oh that's crazy

yeah I can just leave it out and you put

it over here and neurosurgery right and

by working with body parts instead of

images why is that important for the

doctor to be able to have a 3d image

like this like what is this helping them

to do when they use the stylus they're

actually reaching in to the actual size

of the patient so it's almost like

holding a scalpel and practicing your

surgery very very easily well when it

does for them now is it allows them to

get a much more intuitive ass feeling of

what they're looking at the fact that

when the doctors are saving this time

and they're able to think more

creatively we're able to get much better

clinical results and better workflow

results most doctors view CT scans in 2d

meaning they can't see in and around all

the details of your body and it's harder

to find the exact problem it also takes

a longer time to work on creating images

to look at echo pixels new technology

could radically reduce time and cost for

hospitals and patients by giving doctors

a precise 3d image think of it like

interspace but instead of actually

minimizing scientists and shooting them

into your body the new technology lets

you see what's going on with 3d glasses

and a special display I've been using

echo pixel for both research and

clinical purposes and the application

that I use most is for CT colonography

also known as virtual colonoscopy our

goal is really to identify the precursor

lesion that may develop into a cancer

and I think what the echo pixel platform

does is it really is a game-changer

so not only is it engaging and

interactive for the radiologist who uses

it but it allows us to identify the

lesions just as well if not better and

we're looking at larger portions of the

colon at once so that it would be more

time efficient there are also certain

types of lesions that this technique are

would be able to help us pick up better

and these are the flat lesions of the

colon so the fact that you have this 3d

model of the colon in what we call true

3d space if you really manipulate it in

a way that highlights lesions that are

just too tough for us to pick up with

the flatter displays why I always say

that every time we're able to pick up a

polyp that's that measures 10

millimeters or larger that essentially

you are potentially saving a life

because these are the ones that have the

most chance of them progressing to

cancer with lung cancer and breast and

prostate cancer where you're looking for

the cancer itself it's almost too late

what's the biggest challenge you have

right now our biggest challenge is

really getting this awareness in front

of

so we're very actively going to shows

we're actively going in front of doctors

and trying to make sure that they

experience the ease of interpretation a

lot of data and a lot of times what we

have even with very high experienced

doctors they see this and they say wow

this is great and very cool what's

something like insurance cover this how

hard is that to overcome sort of those

challenges so there are some

reimbursement and reimbursable codes for

visualizing 3d data and they're taking

advantage of that you would maybe say

this is more 3d visual data than than VR

well it's it's what I would I would say

it's a non enveloping VR right so one of

the advantages that we've seen doctors

and we talked to them about a head nap

that displays anytime so they will say I

don't want to have a head mounted

display and then memorize a surgical

plan that I'm gonna have to perform in a

few minutes this way this can be in the

Oh are they put it right next to the

patient and they're referring to their

planets are doing surgery while echo

pixels software is not what you

typically think of VR with a headset

like vivre or oculus it can virtually

display your scans from every angle

using a pen and 3d glasses doctors can

zoom in and pull out something that

doesn't look right or 3d print the model

to have an app scale prototype to study

further having tried echo pixel for

myself I can see the potential for this

new type of tech in surgery and in

catching problems early to save lives