History of the 3DQ Laboratory at Stanford University
The 3D and Quantitative Imaging Laboratory was developed in 1996 at Stanford University School of Medicine by directors Geoffrey Rubin, MD, and Sandy Napel, PhD, with the mission of developing and applying innovative techniques for efficient analysis and display of medical imaging data through interdisciplinary collaboration. We had 300 square feet of space in the ground floor of the Grant building at the School of Medicine, occupied by Laura Logan (now Pierce), 3D imaging technologist. Equipment included one GE Advantage Workstation, one Silicon Graphics Onyx Infinite Reality workstation, and one Silicon Graphics 02 workstation. Engineering students, post docs, and clinical researchers rotated through the lab. The average monthly clinical 3DQ volume was 64 examinations.
After one year, the growing 3DQ Lab moved to the Richard M. Lucas Center and acquired 650 square feet of space. Gradually 3DQ Lab added three more 3DQ technologists, an administrative assistant, and a full time software engineer. With continued growth and a need for even more space, the 3DQ Lab expanded to the James H. Clark center in 2003; for a total of 1300 square feet of working space. By 2008 three additional 3DQ technologists were part of the 3DQ team.
In 2010, Dr. Geoff Rubin and Mrs. Pierce left the lab and moved to Duke University; Brooke Jeffrey became interim co-Director. In 2011 the Lab was renamed “Radiology 3D and Quantitative Imaging Lab”, in recognition of the pioneering work on image quantitation begun in the lab. Daniel Rubin, a radiologist and medical informatician, joined the lab to lead our expansion into quantitative imaging.
During 2012 the 3DQ Lab moved operations from the Richard M. Lucas Center back to the Grant building at the School of Medicine.
In 2013 the co-director vacancy became permanently filled by Dr. Dominik Fleischmann and Roland Bammer, PhD. This directorship championed a new management structure for the 3DQ Lab. Linda Horst, Marc Sofilos, and Shannon Walters became the 3DQ Lab management team.
The trends in 3D processing have moved toward quantification in a significant manner during 2013. Several examples of this are modifying protocols to provide quick measurements, customized reporting on a per-clinic basis, building custom web portals for clinics, moving toward oncologic measurements, distributing access to software, and virtualizing the 3DQ Lab software environment.
The staff now includes three lab managers, eight 3DQ technologists, one database manager and two administrative assistants. Currently the lab processes over 1400 clinical cases per month.
Jobs
Stanford University is one of the largest Silicon Valley employers. Stanford Radiology 3DQ Lab provides a stimulating environment for medical professionals to pursue a career in 3DQ image post- processing. We encourage our staff to grow professionally while fulfilling the mission and goals of the 3DQ Lab.
For the latest information about job availability at Stanford, plese visit http://jobs.stanford.edu.
Stanford University is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer.
Tools of the Trade
All-Encompassing Image Processing Software
The 3DQ Laboratory houses many state-of-the-art 3DQ rendering workstations as well as client/server solutions. These software platforms represent a majority of image processing needs/functions. Many of these resources are available via secure remote access.
TeraRecon
Stanford 3DQ Lab uses TeraRecon software such as AQNet, iNtuition, Advanced Processing Servers, and AquariusGate. Three TeraRecon AquariusNET/Intuition Servers stream real-time interactive diagnostic 3D and quantification needs to remote radiologists and clinicians. Radiologists and 3DQ technologists use AquariusNET/Intuition thin clients for fast 3DQ problem solving, interactive MIPs and MPRs, and capturing representative images and clips for physicians.
- Vessel Analysis (incl. coronary)
- Volumetric Histogram
- Calcium Scoring
- Fusion for CT/MR/PET/SPECT
- TDA – Time Dependent Analysis
- Multi-Phase MR
- CT/CTA Subtraction
- Parametric Mapping
- LD – Lobular Decomposition
- Spherefinder
- iGENTLE Multi-KV
- SAT – Segmentation Analysis
- Findings Workflow and Tracking
- TDA (Flow)
- TVA – Time Volume Analysis TVA (MR)
- Maxillo-facial Flythrough (Colon)
- 3D Printing friendly
- Image Stitching (non-deformable)
General Electric Healthcare
Stanford 3DQ Lab uses one GE Advantage Workstation and one GE Advantage Workstation Server. Previously five GE Advantage workstations ran daily in 3DQ Lab. Among the all-encompassing image processing tools, GE has robust segmentation, CPR, and multi-viewer tools. A significant benefit is that a user can take advantage of two screens.
- Navigator
- Vessel Analysis
- Smart Score
- Cardiac IQ (including function)
- Colonography
- Advanced Lung Analysis
- GSI Imaging
- Auto-Vessel
- Auto-Bone
- Data Export.
Vital (Toshiba Medical)
While not currently active at Stanford, Vital has provided useful software throughout the existence of 3DQ Lab. Similar to other all-encompassing solutions. Vital provides specialized tools that allow visualization and quantification of body structures.
- Coronary/Cardiac Image Processing
- Calcium Scoring
- Device Planning
- Segmentation tools
- Volume Rendering
Highly Specialized Image Processing Software
The 3DQ Laboratory utilizes many specialized image processing platforms to fill various niches in clinical demand. Among these are specialized software for functional brain imaging, functional heart imaging, and even software to improve 3D Printing capabilities.