Nov 1, 2008
By:
Ilya Petrou, M.D.
Dermatology Times Supplement
National report
— A novel 3-D photography technology, Lifeviz (QuantifiCare, Oakland,
Calif.), is proving to be a very useful tool for accurately imaging
acne and rosacea lesions.
According to one expert, this unique 3-D imaging technology can significantly assist the dermatologist in not only imaging
each lesion in the smallest detail, but also help the clinician follow the patient's treatment progress much more accurately.
"This unique 3-D camera system takes lesion photography to a higher level by producing exquisitely high-resolution 3-D images
that are extremely helpful in the assessment of facial acne and rosacea lesions.
Dr. Bikowski
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"The system not only offers clinicians the potential to much more accurately count the number of lesions in a given area —
which is useful when comparing the older and newer images of the patient — but also significantly helps in grading the severity
of a patient's skin affliction," says Joseph Bikowski, M.D., F.A.A.D., director, Bikowski Skin Care Center, Sewickley, Pa.
Mapping the surface
When viewing rosacea or acne lesions taken with the Lifeviz camera, the clinician sees photos that are basically maps of the
surface of the skin.
Example of 3D surface views from a patient with rosacea. The images were obtained from a single frontal stereo view using
the LifeViz camera. Photo: Joseph Bikowski, M.D., F.A.A.D.
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The slightest of changes in the skin texture and swelling are color-imaged, which, according to Dr. Bikowski, is extremely
difficult to do with photographic images from standard digital cameras.
Though 2-D standardized digital photography has seen advancements in imaging techniques, such as the optimal lighting and
angle of an image, this system allows the physician to better judge the extent of disease through its 3-Dcolor images.
"With a single snapshot, the Lifeviz system provides instant 3-D visualization and quantitative accurate measurements, which
facilitates patient diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. The 3-D images allow you to get accurate imaging of the depth and,
therefore, volume measurements," says Gregory Klein, Ph.D., president of QuantifiCare, Oakland, Calif.
Passive stereo vision
Similar to the human visual system, Lifeviz technology is based on the concept of passive stereo vision. The handheld camera
system is a standard 35 mm camera with a specialized lens that is used to obtain two views at slightly different angles. Camera
calibration and computation of corre-sponding points allow the production of a complete 3-D surface representation.
The camera is then linked to a software system where one can view objects (such as the lesions on the skin) and manage and
archive their images.
The technology was initially developed for the calculation of wound volume in wound treatments, as well as a non-contact way
to take depth measurements of wounds, such as scars, diabetic leg ulcers and burns.
Cosmetic uses
According
to Dr. Klein, the cosmetic sector is beginning to show great interest
in this technology, as it can also be very useful in "before" and
"after" imaging and measurement with many aesthetic procedures,
including filler treatments and techniques, lip enhancement, nasolabial
fold procedures, breast enhancement, body contouring, and scar, keloid
and wound treatments.
This precise imaging also can prove to be very useful in increasing patient satisfaction and physician-patient communication
by clearly depicting and verifying the progress and results of a given treatment or procedure.
"The
'before' and 'after' shots taken in cosmetic procedures are not only
able to help the clinician make semi-quantitative estimates based upon
the system's realistic imaging, but (they) can also detect quantitative
volume changes, such as demonstrating that lip volume has increased
compared to baseline values.
"The color-coded map can precisely and very effectively show these changes, which underscores its value as a marketing tool
for patients," Dr. Klein tells Dermatology Times.
According to Dr. Bikowski, the state-of-the-art Lifeviz system can be an extremely effective marketing tool, whether it is
used clinically for "before" and "after" imaging of acne and rosacea lesions or for its increasingly popular niche in the
world of aesthetic medicine.
"I
believe it will be an invaluable teaching and testing tool, because 3-D
images will more accurately portray the skin condition/disease than 2-D
images," Dr. Bikowski says.
QuantifiCare Launches LifeViz™ :
A 3D Imaging Revolution for Dermatology and Aesthetics
September 12th, 2008
QuantifiCare introduces LifeViz™, an innovative 3D imaging solution, for clinical evaluations and visual communication between physicians and patients.
For the first time ever, a compact and easy-to-use imaging system is now available enabling you to visualize, measure, document and archive ‘before and after’ skin surfaces in 3D.
As opposed to most current 3D devices which are cumbersome and costly, LifeViz™ is compact and simple relying upon ‘passive’ stereovision technology similar to our own visual system. The results are high quality, 3D images providing ‘life-like’ photographs of the skin area being observed.
For clinical trials, LifeViz™ is capable of measuring curved surfaces allowing evaluation of a wide range of skin volume and disease changes. Visualization and quantitative assessments for clinical/aesthetic applications including nasolabial folds, lips, temples, chin, eye pockets, nose, neck, and in wound care for keloïds and skin cancers are made possible with the simple yet state-of-the-art system.
Sponsors and Investigators will be reassured that LifeViz™ can be combined with our image management software, PixTracer™, for integrating 3D images, e-CRFs and scanned documentation for all your clinical trial needs.
LifeViz™ has the flexibility to be used by individual physicians, plastic surgeons and dermatologists as a tool to enhance their consultation process with their patients. Patients tend to forget their improvements at the early stages of their treatment. Providing them with a 3D image history of their therapy can translate into increased treatment compliance and/or patient satisfaction.
“LifeViz™ is the culmination of over a decade of research in optics and image processing” according to QuantifiCare’s CEO, Dr. J-P Thirion, “which is poised to set a new standard in 3D evaluation for clinical trials and foster improved physician-patient communication.”
QuantifiCare Introduces PixTracer™:
The Next Level of Digital Integration for Clinical Trials
April 7th, 2008
QuantifiCare launches PixTracer™, an integrated solution, for the management and processing of images, e-CRFs and scanned documentation for all phases of clinical trials and observational studies.
QuantifiCare builds on its widely known solution, DermaPix®, which provides 21 CFR part II compliant software and services, primarily for Dermatology and Cosmetics clinical development. PixTracer™ expands the scope of these services to other therapeutic areas and medical / surgical specialties.
Both Sponsors and Investigators will find PixTracer™’s user-friendly interface, valuable in assessing drug efficacy & safety, documenting anatomical location of biopsies, recording allergenic test results and evaluating physical changes in their subjects. In the past, this type of evidence was likely recorded through cumbersome film photographs. PixTracer™ allows these procedures or observations to be easily managed by the investigating center and made available to trial monitors in real-time.
PixTracer™’s single interface for all three types of data - images, e-CRFs and scanned documentation – translates into easier Investigator training and a single electronic signature password. For data management, integrated e-CRFs allow to check coherency prior to data centralization resulting in fewer queries and valuable time-saving for both investigators and monitors and ultimately for the overall study.
According to Dr. J-P Thirion, Quantificare’s Founder and Chairman, “Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are looking for increased documentation and traceability via digital images for clinical development. PixTracer™ innovative applications bridge the gap between traditional paper solutions and e-CRFs while complying to electronic standards required by the FDA and other regulatory agencies.”
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