A revolutionary 3D table for teaching anatomy: Anatomage has landed at Humanitas University

A brand new 3D anatomical table, an innovative method for teaching anatomy and a useful tool both from an educational and clinical point of view. Anatomage Table is a highly technological system that recreates an operating table, combined with a powerful radiology software, available to Hunimed students, residents and professionals. “This 3D table will allow us to take a step forward towards digitizing not only our teaching, but also our clinical practice”, explains Professor Flavio Ronzoni, professor of Regional Anatomy and Gross Neuroanatomy for the MEDTEC degree course
“We plan to use it already for the courses in the second semester of this year. Initially we will mainly use it for teaching purposes, but later we plan to use it in clinical practice”.

How will the Anatomage table be used for teaching anatomy?

Through its 3D vision, this tool allows us to offer students a new method for conducting tomographic and systematic examinations. The table uploads the computed tomography reconstruction of four corpses, two Caucasians and two Asians, two males and two females. The machine then creates a three-dimensional reconstruction of the body, with very high-resolution images of sections of the corpse. In addition to these, it is also possible to upload images of clinical cases, upload patient files or also generate a 3D reconstruction starting from those data. The field of application is very wide.

How does the approach to teaching change?

This tool allows to experiment with a new technological approach when teaching. It promotes the spatial and functional learning of the structures of the human body, from the most superficial to the deepest layers, with magnification and excellent resolution. It allows to visualize the anatomy of the human body with the same resolution as if facing a real corpse.

Can the table also be used by professionals to examine clinical cases?

Yes, this tool can be used, for example, to examine a clinical case and compare it with a healthy subject. The table is made of two Lcd touch screens that can be used together or separately. A typical application case is when correlating a radiological image on one screen with the 3D vision on the other. But it is also useful during the pre-operative phase to plan the procedures: in the case of an oncological intervention for example, it allows to reconstruct the area to operate.

Besides pure visualization, is it also possible to make some practical experience?

The scalpel function allows to make lessons even more interactive, by giving students the possibility to practice as if on the anatomical table. Anatomical parts can be directly dissected in 3D and this enables to explore the human anatomy through a highly interactive experience. In addition, it allows to create explanatory films on specific interventions such as showing the path of a gastric probe from the oral cavity to the intestine.

Will this innovation eventually overcome the traditional anatomical practice?

Back in the days, sectorial practice was a fundamental part of a doctor’s training. It still is, but doing it with real corpses has several contraindications. Today only few universities practice dissection on corpses and Humanitas is one of them, thanks to our Simulation Center   We organise several practical activities for students in this sense. The idea is to combine these two techniques, the traditional one and the 3D table one, to provide students with a wider range of experiences.

Do you plan to use the 3D table during exams?

This tool enables students to be more autonomous, as it even allows to do self-assessment tests with questions and quizzes. As for the exams, I am actually considering the option of using it. It is definitively a feasible solution and it would also be well organised.

Watch the Anatomage Table in motion!