Project idea
Virtopsy® is an applied research project which has created a foundation for extensive innovations (e.g., replacing standard autopsy with minimally invasive procedures) in many areas of forensic pathology. The multi-disciplinary project involves forensic sciences, diagnostic imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, computer sciences and telematics as well as biomechanics. Not only significant scientific results, but also economic returns are expected. Advancements in the acquisition, documentation and interpretation of morphological findings in forensic pathology will lead to an increase in the value of forensic - pathologic evidence in court.
The virtual autopsy project intends to revise the technical procedure of the standard autopsy (dissection of a human body), with the goal in mind of newly defining protocols for: (1) the utilization of modern radiological imaging, and (2) currently accepted incision sites for invasive tissue removal (the development of a minimally invasive autopsy). The results will also be used in clinical forensic medicine (reporting findings relevant to the medico-legal expert for the living) which will provide the basis for a systematic quality control/quality accreditation program for morphological forensic medicine.
The material goal, thereby, should be to create an implementation manual which clearly explains indication, preparation, procedure and interpretation as well as evaluation of Virtopsy® methods in forensic medicine.
The Virtopsy® research project (»What's the idea behind the term "virtopsy"?«) builds on a unique logistical structure: due to the close cooperation of the main researchers with differing research focuses, the project aims at five goals:
- The implementation of radiological digital imaging methods (Multislice - Computed Tomography/MSCT and Magnetic Resonance Imaging/MRI) as main diagnostic tools in forensic pathology, ultimately leading to "minimally invasive autopsy" analogous to "keyhole surgery" in clinical medicine.
- With use of imaging techniques (CT and MRI), photogrammetry and three-dimensional optical measuring techniques, a reliable, accurate geometric presentation of all forensic findings (the body surface as well as the interior) should be achieved. With this technology, exact forensic-medical reconstructions can be performed.
- The application of photogrammetry and 3D surface scanning in forensic reconstruction in addition to radiological imaging techniques as well as the development of biomechanical models.
- Producing and validating of a post-mortem biochemical profile by means of MR-Spectroscopy to estimate, for example, the time of death.
- The implementation of an imaging database as a technical basis of a "center for competence in virtual autopsy".
Virtopsy® is an applied research project which has created a foundation for extensive innovations (e.g., replacing standard autopsy with minimally invasive procedures) in many areas of forensic pathology. The multi-disciplinary project involves forensic sciences, diagnostic imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, computer sciences and telematics as well as biomechanics. Not only significant scientific results, but also economic returns are expected. Advancements in the acquisition, documentation and interpretation of morphological findings in forensic pathology will lead to an increase in the value of forensic - pathologic evidence in court.
The virtual autopsy project intends to revise the technical procedure of the standard autopsy (dissection of a human body), with the goal in mind of newly defining protocols for: (1) the utilization of modern radiological imaging, and (2) currently accepted incision sites for invasive tissue removal (the development of a minimally invasive autopsy). The results will also be used in clinical forensic medicine (reporting findings relevant to the medico-legal expert for the living) which will provide the basis for a systematic quality control/quality accreditation program for morphological forensic medicine.
The material goal, thereby, should be to create an implementation manual which clearly explains indication, preparation, procedure and interpretation as well as evaluation of Virtopsy® methods in forensic medicine.
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