Microsoft Kinect for breast volume and implant size measurement
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pilot study to assess the accuracy of using the Microsoft Kinect to measure breast volume and determine implant size for mastectomy patients
IRAS ID
162918
Contact name
Ashu Gandhi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Summary of Results
During breast reconstruction a breast implant will be used to replace tissue which had to be removed due to cancer. The implant size will be chosen to regain the natural symmetry of the breasts; this choice is made by a specialist surgeon with extensive experience in breast surgery and reconstruction.
In this study we are testing an imaging system which aims to help the surgeon select the best implant size. Images of both breasts before and after surgery will be taken.
A 3D model of the breasts will be generated before surgery by the imaging system and the breast volume automatically calculated. This will be compared with the size of the implant selected by the surgeon to see whether the size selected by an experienced surgeon can be predicted using imaging.3D imaging scans after surgery will be used to compare breast volumes before and after surgery.
The sensor used for taking the images is the Microsoft Kinect. It was originally designed for computer games but recently many scientists have used it for medical imaging, for example monitoring babies’ chest movements during breathing. The sensor is safe; it has colour and infra-red cameras like those used in night vision devices. This study will take place in Nightingale & Genesis Breast Cancer Centre at the University Hospital of South Manchester.
Summary of Research
The automated measurement of breast volume may help the preoperative decisions made by surgeons prior to breast reconstruction. We described a novel approach to volume measurement for surgical planning, using a games console input device - the Microsoft Kinect. We explored the ability of the device to measure surface depth for a range of distances and angles.
We have also validated the use of the system for volume measurement using a full-sized model female torso. The Kinect-based result is in good agreement with the volume measured by filling a mould of the breast with water. The method has the potential to provide convenient, cost and time-effective measurement of breast volume in clinical practice.REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/1443
Date of REC Opinion
22 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion