Guest guest Posted October 3, 2008 Report Share Posted October 3, 2008 Technology: The Cyber Heart http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23557119-details/London+surgeons+create+first+cyber+heart/article.doEvening Standard. 18 September 2008.London surgeons create first cyber heartSophie GoodchildLondon doctors today unveiled the world's first "cyber" heart,which they believe will revolutionise cardiac care.The 3D computer model was developed by surgeons at UniversityCollege Hospital and is so realistic it has a heartbeat andcan be "operated" on.Experts say the technology is the biggest step forward sinceLeonardo da Vinci transformed understanding of the heart 500years ago. It is expected to improve the accuracy of cardiacoperations and speed up surgery times.Doctors can "slice" through the model displayed on a computerscreen to show the internal structures of the heart as well asblood flow.The valve and vessel has been reproduced and blocked arteriesand other conditions can also be represented.Trainee surgeons currently train using text books, video clipsand heart scanning - which is labour intensive and can carryrisks for patients.Students will now be able to gain an understanding of theorgan by looking at a computer screen. This is crucial forultrasound - used to examine the shape of the heart anddiagnose disease - which can only be carried out by surgeonswith a detailed knowledge of how the heart functions. The newtool means it will no longer take years to acquire thisknowledge.The virtual heart - which is backed by eminent cardiac surgeonSir Magdi Yacoub - has taken two years to develop with a teamat a digital animation company better known for TV commercialsand films. Glassworks, based near Oxford Street , has producedspecial effects such as a dancing mouth for Aero chocolatebars and a goblin character for soft drink Sprite.The heart is the idea of Sue Wright from the Heart Hospital ,which is part of UCH. The consultant cardiac anaesthetistsaid: "We're hoping that the NHS will use this animated heartto revolutionise training. There's already been a hugelypositive reception in the US and over here." 'the best guess for the correlation of adverse reactions in man and animal toxicity data is somewhere between 5% and 25%' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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