Research . . .how it really happened (Part 1)

This summer I am working in a lab at MSU that does Cardiovascular research. We look at patients CT images of primarily the aorta and the carotid arteries. One of my main projects included using MIMICS®  to segment the CT data from which we create 3D images. Basically in non-engineering terms; CT scans take about 1000 pictures in each direction (head to feet, chest to back, and shoulder to shoulder) and we look at each picture in one of the directions mentioned and color what we want to keep. By coloring I mean almost (but not really) what you would accomplish in the program Paint. the next step is to add all of the colored sections in each image together and create a 3D model. We then use the models to primarily look at growth in aneurysms from scans at different points in time. the models can also be used for running different simulations where we can look at the flow through the artery in a healthy patient and compare it with that of an unhealthy patient. The goal is to figure out how aneurysms are caused and if there is a way to tell how soon they will burst. It gets much more complicated, especially when it comes to math, but you get the point.

As part of the EnSURE (engineering summer undergraduate research experience) program we participated in Grandparents University where we taught kids and their grandparents the process mentioned above. It was really fun and cool to show people what we work on; making it interesting to people that know nothing about engineering is a challenge. For the event I segmented the heart and aorta using MIMICS®, created a 3D model, and had that model printed with the 3D printers downstairs. After cleaning up the printed objects by taking off the support material, I created a stand that the model would be displayed on. Since these were for the kids I made the model and the stand so that they would come apart and the kids could look at the model by itself. Then, because I'm somewhat awesome and creative, I made the words on the models different colors, which I found to be very popular with kids ages 8-12. Who knew that adding a color choice would make it that much cooler. However, if I was 8 I would most likely want a green one rather than a red one.

                                                                                    

The picture to the left is how the models look after printing is complete.

The center picture is after an hour or two of peeling off support material leaving only the model. 

The picture to the right is the model assembled with the stand. 

I think they are really cool and I am very proud . . . until someone asks me what science fiction movie it's from.