news Archives - Med Dimensions

Why Use Medical Simulation Models?

April 19, 2023 Michael Campbell Blog, Education, General, Social, Technology Comments Off

Medical simulation models are changing the way healthcare professionals are trained. They offer several advantages that improve patient outcomes, decrease errors, and enhance overall care. In this post, we will discuss the benefits of medical simulation models and how they are transforming healthcare education.

Realistic Learning Environments

Medical simulation models provide a realistic learning environment that closely replicates real-life clinical situations. These models offer hands-on training opportunities, allowing healthcare professionals to develop and practice their skills in a controlled and safe environment. Simulation models can be customized to mimic a variety of patient scenarios, providing trainees with the opportunity to practice treating complex medical conditions- without putting patients at risk.

Improved Clinical Outcomes

Simulation models have been shown to improve clinical outcomes by providing healthcare professionals with the opportunity to practice and perfect their skills. Through simulation training, healthcare professionals can identify gaps in their knowledge and develop new techniques to improve their approach to patient care. This leads to improved clinical outcomes, with patients receiving better care and achieving better health outcomes.

Reduced Medical Errors

Medical errors are a significant problem in healthcare, with errors contributing to patient harm, increased healthcare costs, and reduced patient satisfaction. Simulation models offer a safe learning environment that allows healthcare professionals to practice their skills without putting patients at risk. By practicing in a simulated environment, healthcare professionals can identify potential errors and develop strategies to avoid them, reducing the risk of medical errors and improving patient safety.

Enhanced Teamwork and Communication

Effective teamwork and communication are essential in healthcare, particularly in high-pressure situations. Simulation models provide a platform for healthcare professionals to practice working together and communicating effectively in a variety of clinical scenarios. By practicing in a simulated environment, healthcare professionals can develop the skills needed to work effectively as a team, improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of errors.

Cost-Effective Training

Training healthcare professionals can be expensive, particularly when training requires expensive equipment and resources. Simulation models offer a cost-effective training solution that allows trainees to practice their skills without requiring expensive equipment or putting patients at risk. Simulation training can be done on-demand, allowing healthcare professionals to fit training around their busy schedules.

In conclusion, medical simulation models are transforming healthcare education, providing healthcare professionals with a safe and realistic learning environment that allows them to develop and practice their skills. Simulation models offer a range of benefits, including improved clinical outcomes, reduced medical errors, enhanced teamwork and communication, and cost-effective training. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, medical simulation models will play an increasingly important role in training the next generation of healthcare professionals- and Med Dimensions will continue to be leading the way in this technology as we develop our models with Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality.

Intro to Medical Automation in Grasshopper pt 1

February 24, 2023 Michael Campbell Blog, Education, Social, Technology Comments Off

Do you ever wonder how companies can work with medical images in CAD programs? Here is a small peak behind the scenes how we at Med Dimensions are leveraging CAD and automation tools to create the next generation of Innovative Anatomic Solutions.

Huge thanks to Gokce (Gilly) Yildirim from Vent Creativity for showing us the ropes.

#meddimensions #innovation #caddesign

Will Artificial Intelligence Be Used in Veterinary Medicine?

February 24, 2023 Michael Campbell Blog, News, Technology Comments Off

The use of AI will tremendously impact the industry, especially in Medical Imaging

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way many industries operate, and veterinary medicine is no exception. The use of AI in veterinary medicine has great potential to improve animal health outcomes and assist veterinarians in making more accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions, leading to overall improvement in the way we care for our pets.

One area where AI will be of powerful use in veterinary medicine is in medical imaging. Medical imaging refers to the use of various techniques to visualize the internal structures of animals for diagnostic purposes. These techniques include X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI scans. AI can be used to analyze these images and assist veterinarians in making more efficient and accurate diagnoses.

One way AI is used in medical imaging is through computer-aided diagnosis. Theses systems use machine learning algorithms to analyze medical images and identify potential abnormalities. These systems can help veterinarians detect early signs of disease or injury that may not be visible to the naked eye. For example, a CAD system can analyze an X-ray image of a dog’s chest and identify small lung nodules that may be indicative of cancer.

AI can also be used to assist in the interpretation of more complex imaging studies such as CT and MRI scans. These studies generate large amounts of data that can be time-consuming for veterinarians to analyze manually. AI algorithms can be trained to identify specific structures within these images and provide automated measurements, such as the size of a tumor or the volume of a specific organ. This can save veterinarians time and improve the accuracy of their diagnoses.

AI can also be used to improve the quality of medical images. For example, AI algorithms can be used to reduce image noise and improve image resolution. This can result in clearer images that are easier to interpret, which can lead to more accurate diagnoses.

Since the founding of Med Dimensions, our solutions have been powered by AI and developing self-sufficient technologies for the benefit of veterinarians. Every pre-operative model, surgical cutting guide, and educational phantom that Med Dimensions produces is influenced by an AI system that is getting smarter with each project we complete!

Overall, the use of AI in veterinary medicine is rapidly evolving, and medical imaging is an area where AI can be particularly useful. By analyzing medical images and assisting veterinarians in making more accurate diagnoses, AI has the potential to improve animal health outcomes and save lives. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more applications of AI in veterinary medicine in the future.

Follow Med Dimensions and our AI partner, Vent Creativity, on Social Media

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Triple Layer Suturing Pad Product Release

February 1, 2023 Michael Campbell Education, General, News Comments Off

Suturing Pad – Triple Layer (Qty. 5)

How do you place an ET when you can barely see the epiglottis? It’s not a rhetorical question; you practice!

Med Dimensions is proud to offer 2 versions of high quality suturing pads for the
teaching and learning of surgical suturing and knot tying: MD-E-0033C (3 slit) and
MD-E-0053C (5 slit). Minimum ordering quantity is five (5) units.

For anyone looking to practice intubation on a mesocephalic dog, our clinician designed and validated airway trainer has a hingeable jaw, hard teeth, soft and stretchy tongue, intact nasal cavity, and soft epiglottis. These models can be used to place an NG tube and has exits for both trachea and epiglotis to show if the ET and NG tubes have been placed correctly.

Product Overview
This product comes in 2 versions: MD-E-0033C and MD-E-0053C.
MD-E-0033C is a triple layer suturing pad, replicating the epidermis, dermis, and
subcutaneous layers with three (3) 100 mm slits for a student to hone their
suturing skills.
MD-E-0053C is a triple layer suturing pad, replicating the epidermis, dermis, and
subcutaneous layers with five (5) slits of varying lengths for a student to hone
their suturing skills.

Key Features & Benefits
Made from a proprietary blend of silicones, these pads provide tactile simulation
similar to real anatomy, and layers are denoted with different colors. These
suturing pads have an embedded mesh to simulate the “pop feeling” associated
with suturing. Each pad arrives in a hard plastic case with non-slip feet to
increase the longevity of the pad. Additionally, the size of the pad is conveniently
low profile, so anyone can easily fit the pad in a backpack or other small bag.

Canine Stifle Product Release

December 1, 2022 Michael Campbell Uncategorized Comments Off

Med Dimensions is proud to offer a canine stifle, MD-E-2000, now available for purchase.

Product Overview

This product is a model of a left hind limb, derived from real CT scans to provide as close to real anatomy as possible. The model includes LCL, MCL, Meniscus, Patellar Tendon, and Tendon of Ider constructs. It is a replica of a small/medium canine, roughly a 15-20kg dog, and is 8.5 inches long.

Key Features & Benefits

The ligaments are constructed of a blend of silicone that allows for proper constricted motion of the joint, as verified by leading veterinarians. The partial tibia and femur is 3D printed in a filament that is ideal for cutting and drilling practice. The silicone ligaments will hold suture, and are secured within the bone- not glued on- to prevent premature ripping of the ligaments from the insertion sites. The bone holds anchors, buttons, plates, and screws, providing tactile feedback to the user and ideal for demonstrations.

Purchasing Information

Order a Canine Stifle

Double Layer Suturing Pads Product Release

November 21, 2022 Michael Campbell Uncategorized Comments Off

Med Dimensions is proud to offer 2 versions of high quality suturing pads for the teaching and learning of surgical suturing and knot tying: MD-E-0033B (3 slit) and MD-E-0053B (5 slit). Minimum ordering quantity is five (5) units.

Product Overview

This product comes in 2 versions: MD-E-0033B and MD-E-0053B.

MD-E-0033B is a double layer suturing pad, replicating the dermal and subcutaneous layers with three (3) 100 mm slits for a student to hone their suturing skills.

MD-E-0053B is a double layer suturing pad, replicating the dermal and subcutaneous layers with five (5) slits of varying lengths for a student to hone their suturing skills.

Key Features & Benefits

Made from a proprietary blend of silicones, these pads provide tactile simulation similar to real anatomy, and layers are denoted with different colors. These suturing pads have an embedded mesh to simulate the “pop feeling” associated with suturing. Each pad arrives in a hard plastic case with non-slip feet to increase the longevity of the pad. Additionally, the size of the pad is conveniently low profile, so anyone can easily fit the pad in a backpack or other small bag.

Purchasing Information

3 Slit Suturing Pad, Double Layered

5 Slit Suturing Pad, Double Layered

Med Dimensions Garners “Pet Start Up of the Year” Award In 2022 Pet Independent Innovation Awards Program

September 20, 2022 Michael Campbell Blog, General, News, Technology Comments Off

Annual Awards Program Recognizes Top Companies, Services and Products Within the Global Pet Industry

Angular Limb Deformities with Med Dimensions 3D Printed Surgical Guides

July 8, 2022 Michael Campbell Blog, Education, General, Technology Comments Off

From Dr. Andrew Jackson

Honey is a 1 year old female spayed Beagle mixed breed dog presented with a right forelimb angular limb deformity. Her deformity was quite pronounced compared to the left forelimb, which had mild typical valgus deformity. Radiographs revealed a biapical deformity of the right forelimb.

I contacted Med Dimensions and presented this case and inquired about what type of support that they could provide. Although I have performed numerous angular limb corrections, the world of 3D printing and guides is new. We discussed the plan of printing both models, osteotomy guides and reduction guides based on CT. Everyone was very helpful in explaining the process and we had no problems getting the imaging to the team. We had a preplanning meeting with 3D rendering of the proposed correction. It was very reassuring to know that everyone was on the same page as far as general osteotomies and angles of osteotomies. Further 3D rending of the osteotomy guides and reduction guides helped to further visualize the surgery and the use of the printed guides.

Prior to surgery I received the guides and models in a very manageable time frame. Med Dimensions has a very quick turn-around from image capture to actual guides and models. We completed a mock surgery with mock guides. This allowed plate contouring prior to the actual surgery. The ultimate benefit to using the guides is reduction in the time operating and the decrease in stress. The guide, once in place, provided a nice template for an accurate cut. There tended to be a bit less consternation than there usually is when performing osteotomies.

Once the osteotomies were completed the reduction guide, which is my favorite guide, helps with reduction, obviously, but enables fine-tuning of the plate placement and osteotomy reduction. This is a real time saver and stress reducer!

Lastly, working with the Med Dimensions team was wonderful. Correspondence was quick, easy and punctual. The models were of excellent quality and the guides were also of excellent quality. I will definitely be working with the team again and would definitely recommend this team to any other surgeon. I think that angular limb deformity surgery and planning are things that require a lot of experience and that is important, but this process could help to lower the learning curve and definitely the time in surgery.

Feautured: Innovative Minds in Veterinary Medicine- Johnny Uday

June 7, 2022 Michael Campbell Blog, General, News, Social Comments Off

An interview with Dr. Johnny Uday, a leading mind in innovative 3D medicine.

1) When did you know you wanted to get into veterinary medicine and helping animals?

When I was a kid, we took our sick pet to the vet. I was so happy that my little dog was going to get help, and I thought to myself, I want to do this when I grow up too.

2) You’ve worked in both human and veterinary medicine. How does your work translate between these two fields?

As veterinarians, we have to study many different species, from shrimps to rhinos, and humans are just another type of mammal really, so diving deeper into our species is complementary and fascinating at the same time for me.

Having said that, the interaction between veterinary medicine and human medicine is of paramount importance, given that many devices and medical tools are tested on animals before achieving approval for human use.

And when these procedures, techniques, devices etc. are perfected on humans, we can find ways to bring them back to the animal area, where the original product and solution started.

That is why veterinary medicine and human medicine go hand in hand.

3) How does it feel when you see a cutting guide or implant that you designed being used successfully?

It’s a dream come true. I thought it would be so amazing to see something I designed helping to improve lives, and luckily now I have seen that many times, and every single time it makes me smile and feel that I have a purpose in my life.

4) What do you see as the future of veterinary medicine and 3D printing in your home country of Ecuador?

This technology has been a game changer, not just in my country but in the whole world. I’m confident it will become a paramount part of the medical field, and hopefully I will be part of that development with my work.

5) You do a lot of pro-bono work. Who are you helping and what drives you to continue to do this work?

Sadly, Covid hit hard around the world, especially in developing countries like Ecuador. My situation, luckily, is better than a lot of people around here, and I know I can help in many cases- no matter how big or small-, so when I can help, I do.

Probably it is something related to ego too, when someone is grateful and praises you, however, as long as you are helping someone I believe that is a good thing.

6) How did you get where you are today?

Curiosity and obsession. I mean, I cannot say it felt like “hard” work- because I’m lucky, I really enjoy what I do. It feels more like a pleasure activity than work really.

7) What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? (if you have any!)

I’m a fairly decent dancer, (according to me).

I think physical activities are so important in life; I could spend hours and hours in front of a computer, but that is detrimental for your health.

My brain needs proper oxygenation for working at its top level, and dancing provides me that, and also encompasses creativity, fun, and exercise.

Follow Dr. Johnny Uday on LinkedIn here.

Follow Med Dimensions on LinkedIn here.

Featured: Innovative Minds In Veterinary Medicine- Will Byron

May 25, 2022 Michael Campbell Blog, General, Social Comments Off

A Sit Down Interview with Will Byron, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder at Med Dimensions.

1. What has inspired you to help animals?
From before I was even born, my parents had been doing animal rescue which meant I was born in a life full of, and fulfilled by, animals. It ranged from things as small as fish to as large as horses, and dozens of different types in-between. With parents both in the medical field, it meant we got the “broken pets” that people dumped or couldn’t care for medically. Watching these animals being nurtured back to health, and my parents doing the same for people, ingrained a desire to find ways to help those who can’t always help themselves.

2. You mentioned growing up with “broken pets” and watching them be nurtured back to health.What’s it like knowing your work and education has been to help animals?
To be frank, its fulfilling to know that I can still help pets while being involved in really high tech stuff. I always struggled to see how I could blend all my interests and still be in touch with my passion for animals. I thought I would need to go after a job would give me the financial means to do so, but now I get to help pets everyday AND its everything I, as a self proclaimed “enginerd”, love to do and tinker with.

3. When you see a surgical cutting guide that Med Dimensions made being used in a procedure, what is that feeling like?
I can’t really find the right word- beyond flabbergasted! The fact we can help pets through technology that is so new and just coming to light in human medicine, is beyond what I dreamed possible until a few years ago. On top of that, having spent those years hearing the stories, seeing the stress in the OR, and then hearing how these cutting guides really helped or even so far as “making the surgery possible”, leaves me feeling like I’m dreaming.

4. When did you discover your engineering experience would help you create products to assist vets and people’s pets?
A bit of backstory is necessary here; I came into undergrad dead set on making the next generation of prosthetics. I was convinced there was no other way, no other thing I ever wanted to do. I thought that was my new reality after I joined a human focused prosthesis lab working with our Co-Founder and CEO Sean Bellefueille. When that lab closed down, Sean and I decided that was not going to be the end of it, we spent a lot of time figuring out how to make this into a club. Through some of resources from that lab, and people like Jade Meyers from RIT, the club came to fruition and we were connected with some people and a pet or two in need. The details are muddy on how it all happened, but eventually the club was running more projects for pets in need than people. There was no single point in that process where I just knew, but eventually I decided I loved the pets part of the work and I think I could do this forever, because it seemed like pets were really overlooked. A few more years of doing that work, and a local veterinary surgeon reaching out to us for help on a angular limb deformity case then opened my eyes to the fact I could help pets by helping their vets! It really was that case that started a cascade of events that lead me to know I wanted to use my engineering skills to help pets and vets.

5. What motivates you to continue your work at Med Dimensions on a day-to-day basis?
I think the drive largely comes from the life long passion of helping pets, and trying to manifest that as a career, alongside my love for exploring new technologies or new ways to use it. When I take a step back to look at his from a 3rd person perspective, I’m doing something that satisfies a core value, I’m doing something I have loved my whole life and was a huge portion of that life growing up, and I’m getting to do this all in the realm of hobbies and technologies that I love exploring. How could you not feel motivated to get up in the morning, or stay up late in the evening for those of us who claim to be nocturnal, when you hit a trifecta like that? I really can’t envision something more perfect for me to be doing with my life. So the shorter version; because I love what I’m doing to my core.

6.What is your favorite pastime with pets?
Show me a a mountain to hike and a dog by my side, and I couldn’t be happier! Being outside is my escape, and an accompanying pets is the cherry on top. Somewhat ironic for the person saying they love high tech stuff, but there is something about the calm of nature, and the unspoken (quite literally) communications between pet and person that make the chaos of the world, the rings of messages, and the hubbub of life a distant worry for a short time.

Follow Will Byron on LinkedIn here.

Follow Med Dimensions on LinkedIn Here.