Rady Children's Launches Free Arc Viewer 3D Model Software

Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, renowned for its pediatric healthcare services, has announced the launch of Arc Viewer, a new no-cost 3D model viewing software. Developed internally at the hospital’s Helen and Will Webster Foundation 3D Innovations (3DI) Lab, Arc Viewer enables clinicians from any hospital to interact seamlessly with virtual 3D reconstructions of patient anatomy.

Powered by Unity, a leading platform for real-time game development and interactive experiences, Arc Viewer represents a significant advancement in healthcare technology. It allows physicians like Dr. John Nigro, Division Chief of Cardiac Surgery & Cardiac Transplant Services, to view precise patient-specific anatomical details swiftly before surgical procedures, thereby enhancing surgical planning and boosting confidence in the operating room.

Previously, surgeons relied on assistance from radiology technologists or engineers to access 3D models. Now, Arc Viewer delivers three-dimensional renderings directly from computerised tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans in formats such as X3D, OBJ or STL files. The capability empowers surgeons to independently interact with models at their convenience, facilitating a detailed examination of complex structures and saving valuable time.

Parham Gholami, Research Engineer at Rady Children’s Hospital, underscored the innovative approach behind Arc Viewer, leveraging video game engine principles to enhance software accessibility and user experience. The approach, previously applied in popular games like Pokémon Go and Marvel Snap, aims to accelerate healthcare workflows and improve patient outcomes.

Arc Viewer, operational at Rady Children’s for a year, will be publicly accessible starting June 25, 2024, at www.rchsd.org/3dviewer. Beyond Arc Viewer, Rady Children’s 3DI Lab continues to innovate with projects such as an interactive hospital floorplan designer and a clinical z-score calculation app. The lab’s commitment to advancing healthcare technologies was also highlighted with the recent launch of Media2DICOM, a software standardising Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) formats.

Rady Children’s ongoing efforts exemplify a dedication to leveraging technology for pediatric care excellence, driven by inspiring patient stories and a commitment to continuous improvement in healthcare delivery.