3D Volume Rendering is an actual clinical tool -- not just a graphic aid for trial like a medical illustration. Radiologist Dr. Michael Lipton and our technicians create the 3D Volume Renderings on our workstation. They are available by phone or email for image customization, further consultation and testimony.

"3D Volume Rendering is becoming essential for displaying CT and MRI results in a manner that non-radiology physicians and laymen can visualize and understand. These techniques have been an integral part of MRA and CAT from their inception and are now applied to virtually all body regions to enhance diagnosis and treatment planning. Highly skilled radiologists have the expertise necessary to assimilate the information contained in myriad CT or MRI slices and understanding this "slice by slice picture" remains essential. However, effectively communicating the abnormalities identified on those slices is a major challenge. 3D Volume Rendering allows professionals and laymen alike to see the body, in health and disease, as it truly is."

Michael L. Lipton, M.D., M.Sc.
Medical Director, MRI Services.
Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Admissibility & Courtroom Impact

While new to the legal community, 3D Volume Rendering has been admitted as evidence at trial on numerous occasions and has yet to be excluded. As with the introduction years ago of its predecessors -- medical illustrations and animations -- this technology will encounter initial objections that can be easily overcome.

Volume Renderings are generally admissible in Court once the proper foundation is laid. Click on the link below to view an ACTUAL Court transcript admitting 3D volume rendering into evidence. Typically, that would entail medical expert testimony opining that after comparison, the 3D Rendering is a fair and accurate representation of the original films(in actuality the Rendering is a more comprehensive view of the injury than the original films). When applicable in advance of trial, one should send a Rendering to the treating physician so the images become part of the client's treatment record, and therefore, likely admissible. For added support, counsel can cite to the Court local medical facilities utilizing this FDA approved technology. While highly unlikely, you may wish to prepare the movie creator, either a technician or Radiologist to testify.

New York State Supreme Court (partial transcript) admitting our 3D Technology into evidence

In the event the Court does not admit the Volume Rendering into evidence, the movie and/or static images can still be used to educate the jury, thereby achieving your demonstrative purposes.

Please note that Dr. Lipton is available to compare 2D films with 3D movies, provide reports, and testify. If requested, medQuest, Ltd. will promptly send the FDA approval documentation and a representative list of healthcare providers locally and nationwide who employ our workstation.

Testimonials

"I recently employed a 3D Volume Rendering, created by medQuest, Ltd., at trial with great success. The 3D movie of my client's actual anatomy was admitted into evidence without objection. It effectively educated and impressed the jury, greatly contributing to a plaintiff's verdict with an award that more than doubled the original defense offer. I expect cost-effective 3D Volume Renderings to become the 'gold standard' of presentation tools, making other demonstrative aids obsolete in cases involving CTs, MRIs and MRAs. I strongly recommend this exciting new technology and will continue to employ it in the future."

Jeffrey R. Lessin, Esq.
Jeffrey R. Lessin Law Offices
Philadelphia, PA

"In today's CSI television world, jurors not only want, but expect, interesting and informative technology to be used in the presentation of evidence. I recently utilized MedQuest's 3-D Volume Rendering in tandem with expert testimony to educate my jurors in a spinal cord injury case. They were both fascinated and very impressed as was evidenced by their $4.5 million award ($1.5 million offer). I cannot envision any scenario where I wouldn't use this same technology in my future spinal cord or brain injury cases".

Philip Harnett Corboy, Jr.
Corboy & Demetrio
Chicago, Illinois

"In a recent motor vehicle case, medQuest, Ltd. created 3D Volume Renderings of my client's cervical and lumbar spine, and shoulder, from MRI and CT scans. These exhibits showed in graphic detail the acute herniations of the cervical and lumbar spine, and the torn rotator cuff and shoulder instability, much more effectively than the radiographic film plates. This new technology is advantageous for trial lawyers, since it creates an active and dynamic courtroom presentation."

Barry S. Huston, Esq.
New York, NY

"As a trial attorney who litigates cases involving head and spine injuries across the country, I am always exploring the latest advances in courtroom aids. 3D Volume Rendering is the most compelling and effective visual tool available because the superior clarity and detail of the images arises from the actual anatomy. medQuest, Ltd.'s workstation is the most functional of all those I've evaluated, creating virtually unlimited presentation possibilities. That, combined with the expertise of medQuest, Ltd. radiologists and technicians specifically trained in 3D Volume Rendering, will vividly bring to life the significance of your client's injuries for the jury."

Michael Flomenhaft, Esq.
Flomenhaft & Cannata
New York, NY

FDA Approval & Client List

The workstation and software medQuest, Ltd. employs has been approved by the FDA since 1999. To request the documentation and/or a list of healthcare providers who employ the same technology, contact us.

Clinical Penetration

Approximately 3-5% of American hospitals and radiology practices currently employ Volume Rendering. This percentage is growing. The technology is universal at university-level medical centers and very common at diagnostic facilities i.e. those that perform full body scanning and calcium scoring. Healthcare providers save a patient's data 7 years according to HIPPA requirements.

In determining if old scans hold sufficient data for 3D Volume Rendering, consider these guidelines. A helical (spiral) or multi-slice scan was required. CT scanners installed since 1990 typically employed suitable slices; MRI scanners installed since the early-mid 1990's typically employed suitable slices.

Technology Info

The AVI files play in Windows Media Player, an application found on the vast majority of PCs. For best playing and viewing results, copy the AVI file(s) from the CD to your PC or laptop. Project the movie or any static images with an LCD projector, a common laptop accessory.

In addition to a movie, medQuest, Ltd. will provide static images as JPEGs (better for emailing or use in Power Point) or BMPs (Bitmap files, better for printing).

The colors of anatomical structures are actual, based on Hounsfield Units for tissue density. CT scans are generally better suited to 3D color. MRI scans and MIP files (Maximum Intensity Projection images are MRI scans reformatted into 3D) are generally better suited for black and white enhanced 2D and 3D images.