Anatomic modeling: challenges and
benefits
Accurate modeling of normal anatomy as well as of morphologic changes caused by
disease is crucial to defining the conditions under which medical devices should be
tested. Each of us is unique, and so are the diseases and disease states that inflict
morphologic changes upon us. These morphologic changes have the potential to
reduce a patient’s quality of life and may lead to death. In addition, they complicate
researchers’ attempts to create accurate and useful anatomic models. The ability to
accurately mimic anatomy as well as altered anatomy caused by disease can greatly
augment the current standards for medical device testing.
At MED Institute, we partner with physicians who practice medicine in targeted
disease areas. The physicians’ experience and expertise, in combination with
imaging data that represent various normal and diseased anatomies, allow us to
overcome many of the challenges of anatomic modeling, providing the ability to
create accurate anatomic models.
Challenges of anatomic modeling
Here are a few of the challenges in creating accurate anatomic models:
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Patient-specific anatomy – A single standardized model might not account
for natural variations in patient anatomy.
Anatomic morphology – A model of normal anatomy might not reflect the
anatomic morphology that a disease causes.
Disease state – A disease-specific model might not correspond with the
stage of disease progression that a test requires.
MED has a successful history of developing anatomic models and boundary
conditions for a number of locations around the body. We work with our
customers to determine the appropriate natural variations for the intended
patient population. Given that most diseases are progressive, we partner
with experienced physicians to understand the stages of the disease. This
understanding and our experience with a broad imaging data set allow us to
choose the most appropriate anatomical model in which to test new devices.
Evaluating the interactions of medical devices with the most realistic
anatomic model possible is critical and something we do well.
Benefits of anatomic modeling
Bench testing and animal testing of medical devices and therapies help us gain a
better understanding of device deployment, durability, and function over time.
These efforts allow a better understanding of device performance, treatment effect
and importantly, failure modes. The use of detailed and realistic human anatomic
models in these tests can provide crucial information regarding:
 Anatomic variance
 Challenges in device delivery
 Vascular Access
 Thrombus
 Plaque
An example: Cerebral artery aneurysms
An example of the value of accurate modeling is found in studies of minimally
invasive treatments for aneurysms involving cerebral arteries.
A cerebral artery aneurysm can lower a patient’s quality of life significantly and will
likely lead to death if untreated. Treating the disease with open surgery is
dangerous and carries higher risks of comorbidities and death. A better option, if the
anatomy allows, is a minimally invasive approach.
With minimally invasive techniques, devices such as wire guides and catheters can
be used to negotiate the vasculature. Access vessels; the aortic arch and great
vessels; the carotid arteries; the tortuous, bone-entombed cerebral arteries; and any
existing calcified plaque along the entire arterial pathway are accessible to
minimally invasive intervention.
An anatomic model that incorporates the various access vessels, the aortic arch and
great vessel configurations, as well as inherent disease provides another step
toward gaining information that is not only accurate but also helps provide a level of
real-world experience prior to treating patients.
Our services
Accurate anatomic modeling can provide the necessary information to allow
continued innovation to bring to market disruptive devices and therapies that help
improve patients’ quality of life and save lives. At MED Institute, we have the tools to
help with any anatomic modeling needs. Contact us so that we can work together to
make products and therapies that will improve patient outcomes.
MED Institute, Inc.
1330 Win Hentschel Blvd
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Telephone: 765-463-1633
Fax: 765-464-0369
www.medinstitute.com