Following the success of an e-learning module on interpretation of ultrasound images of the heart, which included interactive 3D models (read all about it on this page), an e-learning module was developed for medical students of the University of Groningen, in collaboration with Leiden University, Leiden University Medical Center and TU Delft. The e-learning module revolves around congenital heart disease (and how to recognize it on ultrasound). My role in this project was both the creation of original models and the optimisation of existing models to be embedded in the e-learning module.
For the existing models that I optimised, specimen of the Leiden Collection of Malformed Hearts were scanned and from these scans, 3D models have been created and 3D printed to be used for patient information at the LUMC. The models are created by Ludo de Goeje, Dr Monique R.M. Jongbloed, Bonnie Schaafsma and Bert J. Wisse. They were then optimized for web (smaller file size, addition of detail that would not have been printable) by me, uploaded, post-processed and annotated on Sketchfab and embedded in the e-learning module.
The Leiden Collection of Malformed hearts was also the main reference for the models I created from scratch. Step one in this process was sketching specimen in the dissection room, while Dr. Margot Bartelingsand Dr. Nynke Elzenga gave elaborate explanation about the characteristics of the specific congenital diseases. Some of the sketches are shown below.
First, a base model was created, a healthy neonate heart. The model is embedded below:
Then, the models depicting the congenital heart diseases were created, based on the base model, the sketches from the dissecting room and and other anatomical references from articles and text books. A model was made for the tetralogy of Fallot, atrioventricular septal defect and transposition of the great arteries. All of which can be found here and the model for the tetralogy of Fallot is shown below.
Then, ultrasound planes were cut out of the base models of each congenital heart disease. All models can be found here, and the parasternal long axis of the tetralogy of Fallot model is shown below. All models were licensed under creative commons licensing, to enable others to further build upon the project and use it for non-commercial purposes.
Curious to see more?
Click on the images below to have a look at more interactive 3D models I worked on.
