how to get TLA

*** Disclaimer ***

As True Life Anatomy software can create a 3D model from patient scan data, it is classified and thus regulated as a Medical Device. Regulatory approval is pending, but in the interim, the system can be accessed using the Authorized Prescriber pathway where appropriate. CONTACT TLA for more details.

What is True Life Anatomy?

  • True Life Anatomy (TLA) software is a simple, intuitive, but powerful 3D modelling system that can rapidly convert CT (and other volumetric) scan data into a 3D model.
  • The system is specifically designed to facilitate direct clinician controlled interactivity in the 3D virtual environment.
  • The system can be integrated into the existing diagnostic imaging pathways – to provide fast, cost effective and efficient 3D modelling and visualization access to the clinician.

There are basically two distinct software applications:

1. The conversion of the CT scan data to a 3D model – TLA_GeneratorDCM

TLA_GeneratorDCM is the application that creates the 3D TLA model/object – and needs to be licensed or purchased after a trial period.

2. The further segmentation of the model and virtual surgery and templating – TLA_VPOPS

TLA_VPOPS has the tools to further segment and perform the virtual surgery and 3D templating, but only once the TLA 3D object has been created – and is available as part of the overall system package, or supplied separately on a patient USB data card. TLA_ VPOPS can only read a TLA 3D file.

  • TLA has been used as part of an innovative and patented research project for over 2 decades and has featured in multiple publications and scientific studies – but is now ready to become a powerful clinical visualization tool.
  • TLA can create a 3D model in under 2 minutes using automatic segmentation algorithms, but can also perform further rapid segmentation of an existing 3D object without the need to go back to the slice data.
  • TLA can be integrated into the existing diagnostic imaging delivery axis.
  • TLA provides the surgeon or clinician with a powerful 3D virtual surgery and templating capability at minimal or no cost – once the 3D TLA model has been created.
  • TLA provides the Radiologist with an enhanced service capability for referring practitioners.
  • TLA has developed a secure TLT (True Life Template) arthroplasty virtual 3D model system that can safely share prosthesis models with the clinician to allow real time surgical planning and templating. – Go to TLT prostheses access page
  • TLA 3D anatomical files (STL) can be exported for 3D printing or custom prosthesis design

What are the Regulatory issues?

3D modelling software such as True Life Anatomy, has recently been re-classified as a Medical Device (SaMD – Software as a Medical Device), and must therefore be regulated by the various national regulatory authorities.

While TLA regulation is pending, it can be used via various interim access pathways.  In Australia, this is the Authorized Prescriber system.  Other jurisdictions have similar provisions. With the support of an enabling authority (such as an Ethics committee or Specialist Medical College) permission to use can be arranged.  Contact TLA for details.

Why TLA?

The 3D modelling software can provide a fast and efficient 3D model creation in a process that can be integrated into existing diagnostic imaging pathways, use existing skills within that pathway, and does not require additional on costs for computer graphics technicians, expensive modelling software and 3D printing.  How is TLA different? 

TLA ticks all the boxes:

    • Powerful 3D imaging technology
    • Tried and proven clinically
    • Rapid model creation
    • Intuitive and easy to use with existing skills
    • Affordable
    • Radiologist / Imaging Provider empowering
    • Conversion of 3D anatomical file to DICOM compliant file and export to PACS
    • Clinician capability enabling and access via usual diagnostic imaging pathways
    • 3D anatomical file export for 3D printing or custom manufacture
    • Protected and safe 3D prosthesis importing

Get samples

TLA 3D model samples to download. These can be viewed in TLA_Viewer – this is the free viewer of the 3D TLA files  Download TLA_Viewer(soon)

Sample images on RuBaMAS – TLA distributor.

Go to sample clinical case studies

TLA functionality video demonstrations

TLA_GeneratorDCM demonstration

TLA_VPOPS demonstration

Where next?

If you want to use or trial TLA 3D modelling software, you will need to arrange approved regulatory access (generally via an Ethics Committee or Specialist Medical College – we can help with this).

Once approved, TLA VPOPS and TLA_GeneratorDCM can be supplied on a time limited trial basis – initially at no cost.
The programs can be supplied on a high capacity USB card with firewall protection to allow use in most computer networks.

The TLA funding model

The commercial premise is that there is a cost for accessing the TLA_GeneratorDCM application that creates the initial 3D model from the patient scan data – but further segmentation, virtual surgery, and templating is available at minimal or no cost to the clinician using the TLA_VPOPS program

The technology can be supplied as:

  1. Enterprise version: TLA_GeneratorDCM combined with TLA_VPOPS
  2. Imaging Provider version: TLA_GeneratorDCM with separate network or USB sharable TLA_VPOPS

After an initial trial use, TLA can be supplied via USB card or installed on a computer network.