Anaglyphic three-dimensional stereoscopic printing: revival of an old method for anatomical and surgical teaching and reporting - Technical note

The authors describe how to use the three-dimensional (3D) anaglyphic metho d to produce stereoscopic prints for anatomical and surgical teaching and r eports preparation by using currently available nonprofessional photographi c and computer methods. As with any other method of producing stereoscopic images, the anaglyphic p rocedure is based on the superimposition of two slightly different images o f the object to be reproduced, one seen more from a left-sided point of vie w and the other seen more from a right-sided point of view. The pictures ar e obtained using a single camera, which following the first shot can be sli d along a special bar for the second shot, or by using two cameras affixed to a surgical microscope. After the images have been distinguished from eac h other by applying different complementary color dyes, the images are scan ned and superimposed on each other with the aid of nonprofessional imaging- manipulation software used on a standard personal computer (PC), and are pr inted using a standard printer. To be seen stereoscopically, glasses with c olored lenses, normally one red and one blue, have to be used. Stereoscopic 3D anaglyphic prints can be produced using standard photograph ic and PC equipment; after some training, the prints can be easily reproduc ed without significant cost and area particularly helpful to disclose the 3 D character of anatomical structures.