Episode 215: Dr Michael Topf And Dr Alexander Perez – Reimagining Pathology Specimen Documentation With 3D Scanning
Today my guests are Dr Alexander Perez and Dr Michael Topf.
What we discuss with Dr Perez and Dr Topf:
- The challenge of documenting surgical specimens with traditional text and photos
- How 3D scanning improves accuracy and communication in pathology
- Integration into the gross room workflow with minimal time impact
- Clinical applications: tumor boards, surgical navigation, and radiation therapy planning
- Educational value: training residents, 3D printing, and virtual/augmented reality
- Patient-facing benefits, including education and visualization
- Cost accessibility: high-quality scanners for around $2,000
- Collaboration and sharing of protocols to encourage wider adoption
- Future outlook: from long-term digital storage to medicolegal uses and beyond
Links for this episode:
Pathologists’ Assistant Shadowing Network
Ex vivo 3D scanning and specimen mapping in anatomic pathology
Visual pathology reports for improved collaboration at multidisciplinary head and neck tumor board
People of Pathology Podcast:
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