about:projects

PROJECTS

NON-INVASIVE SCANNING METHODS IN FORENSIC MEDICINE, INSTITUTE OF FORENSIC MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY ZUERICH

3D visualization and improvement of volume data, mainly post mortem CT

  • Schweitzer W, Wildermuth S, Lanz C, Marincek B, Bär W (2002) Computertomografie von Schädelberstungsfrakturen: Verbesserte Detektion durch farbkodierte Volumenrekonstruktion. Rechtsmedizin 12/4:265 [author’s translation: computed tomography of skull burst fractures – improved detection using color coded volume reconstruction]
  • Schweitzer W, Häusler M, Dangel S, Bär W (2004) Computertomografie von Schädelberstungsfrakturen: Verbesserte Darstellung nach Entwicklung kontrastoptimaler Farbgradienten für farbkodierte Volumenrekonstruktion. Rechtsmedizin 14: 337 [author’s translation: computed tomography of skull burst fractures – improved visualisation after development of contrast optimized color gradients]
  • Schweitzer W, Nagel R, Schenk HU, Bühlmann A, Ott P, Bär W (2005) Micro-CT-Scans of gunshot wounds: visualizing gunshot residue using high-resolution volume data. Rechtsmedizin 15(4):264.
  • Schweitzer W, Nagel R, Bär W (2006) Micro-X-Ray-Tomography of gunshot wounds: threedimensional autocorrelation for better visualization of metal particles. Proceedings of the XXth Congress of International Academy of Legal Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
  • Schweitzer W, Nagel R, Bär W (2006) Micro-CT von Einschussverletzungen: statistische Geometrie von digitalen Partikeldaten in Abhängigkeit der Schussdistanz. Rechtsmedizin 16(4): 265.
  • Schweitzer W, Bär W (2007) Bildgebende Verfahren in der Rechtsmedizin: CT-Morphologie von Kies in der Kopfhaut. Rechtsmedizin 17(4): 270.
  • Schweitzer W, Keller M, Bär W (2008) Grenzen bildgebender Verfahren in der Rechtsmedizin – 2 Fallbeispiele. Rechtsmedizin 18(4): 331.
  • Schweitzer Wolf, Bär Walter, Röhrich Emil (2009) Visualization of skull burst fractures on CT using special color gradients for alpha blending – applications in forensic pathology. Lissabon, Portugal: IALM.
  • Voisard M, Jackowski C, Schweitzer W (2010) Weichteil- und Mediastinalemphyseme in der postmortalen Computertomographie. Rechtsmedizin 20: 309.
  • Schweitzer W, Thali M, Ruder T, Jackowski C (2011) Forensic imaging: 3D visualization of scattered particles contained in the skin by projecting their presence onto virtual body surfaces based on CT scans. Rechtsmedizin 4:388.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Michael Thali, and Thomas Ruder. Forensic imaging: 3D visualization of scattered particles contained in the skin by projecting their presence onto virtual body surfaces based on CT scans. Rechtsmedizin, 4:388, 2011.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Michael Thali, and Thomas D. Ruder. Forensic imaging: 3D visualization of scattered CT-dense particles contained in the skin. In Online Abstract Book of the Schweizerischer Radiologiekongress, Kongresshaus, Zürich, May 31 to June 2, 2012, page 38, 2012.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Michael Thali, and Thomas Ruder. Forensic imaging: 3D visualization of scattered CT-dense particles contained in the skin. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 1(2):86 – , 2013.
  • W. Schweitzer, Thomas Ruder, Michael Thali, and Lars Ebert. Rechtsmedizinische Bildgebung: virtuelle Projektion subkutaner Gasakkumulationen auf die Haut. Rechtsmedizin, 4:310, 2013.
    [Bibtex]
  • W. Schweitzer, TD Ruder, MJ Thali, and H. Ringl. Skull fractures in post mortem CT: VRT, flat and skin surface projections in comparison. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 2(2):98, 2014.
  • W. Schweitzer, Michael Thali, Garyfalia Ampanozi, and Thomas Ruder. Rechtsmedizinische Bildgebung: Partikel im Fornix conjunctivae. Rechtsmedizin, 4:342, 2014.
  • Wolf Schweitzer and Michael Thali. Blunt trauma to the head. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 2(2):91, 2014.
  • Wolf Schweitzer and Michael Thali. Computed tomography of scalp embedded gravel: Differentiation between falling and kicking. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 2015.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Thomas Ruder, Michael Thali, and Helmut Ringl. Skull fractures in post-mortem CT: VRT, flat and skin surface projections in comparison. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 3(4):214-220, 2015.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Patricia Mildred Flach, Michael Thali, Patrick Laberke, and Dominic Gascho. Very economical immersion pump feasibility for postmortem CT angiography. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 5:8-14, 2016.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Michael Thali, Rosa Maria Martinez, and Lars Ebert. Post mortem CT angiography in fetuses or newborn: very affordable pump and catheter solution. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 2018.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Garyfalia Ampanozi, Lars Ebert, Michael Thali, and Damaris Fröhlich Knaute. Possible XOR fallacy–Case report of combined foramen sternale with an osseous sternal knife stab injury. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 12:76-79, 2018.
  • Wolf Schweitzer and Michael Thali. Fatal obstructive asphyxia: Trans-pulmonary density gradient characteristic as relevant identifier in postmortem CT. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 19:100337, 2019.
  • Schweitzer Wolf, Enders Markus, Thali Michael. Very affordable post mortem CT angiography kit: Feasibility study using immersion pump and 3D printed parts. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging. 2019 Mar 1;16:11-8 [link: description /specification and part link to all kit parts]
  • Tappero C, Thali MJ, Schweitzer W. The possibility of identifying brain hemorrhage in putrefied bodies with PMCT. Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology. 2020 Dec;16:571-6.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Janette Verster, Eloisa Aldomar, Lars Ebert, Stephan A. Bolliger, Michael J. Thali, and Garyfalia Ampanozi. Forensic volumetric visualization of gunshot residue in its anatomic context in forensic post mortem computed tomography: Development of transfer function preset. Forensic Imaging, 25:200451, 2021.
  • Ebert LC, Franckenberg S, Sieberth T, Schweitzer W, Thali M, Ford J, Decker S. A review of visualization techniques of post-mortem computed tomography data for forensic death investigations. International Journal of Legal Medicine. 2021 Sep;135(5):1855-67.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Lars Ebert, and Michael J. Thali. Comparison of very affordable immersion pump and heart-lung-machine for post mortem CT angiography in forensic pathology – A case-control study. Forensic Imaging, 30:200496, 2022.
  • Schweitzer W, Thali M, Aldomar E. Virtopsy in a case of intrathoracic dislocation of the head of the humerus: Does this imply an active defense to fall from great height?. Forensic Imaging. 2022 Jun 1;29:200490.
  • Heimer J, Chatzaraki V, Schweitzer W, Thali MJ, Ruder TD. Effects of blood loss on organ attenuation on postmortem CT and organ weight at autopsy. International Journal of Legal Medicine. 2022 Mar 1:1-8.
  • Schweitzer W, Thali MJ, Ampanozi G. Planned complex suicide combining pistol head shot and train suicide and Virtopsy examination. Forensic Imaging. 2022 Mar 1;28:200485.
  • [PDF] Wolf Schweitzer, Michael Thali, Eloisa Aldomar (2022) Virtopsy visualisation: mixed data gradient model for more accurate thin bone visualization in 3D rendering, Forensic Imaging.
  • Schweitzer W, Ebert L, Thali M, Bolliger S. Illustrated argument for CT-scanning a whole car for the forensic investigation of projectile holes, defects, fragments and possible trajectories. Forensic Imaging. 2023 Dec 1;35:200562.
  • Khmara N, Chatzaraki V, Bolliger S, Thali M, Schweitzer W. Virtopsy of severe chest compression: Lungs partly herniated into the deep neck space. Forensic Imaging. 2023 Mar 1;32:200536.
  • Schweitzer W, Gascho D, Thali M, Eggert S, Ampanozi G. Visual note-large vitreous hemorrhage in post mortem imaging. Forensic Imaging. 2024 Mar 1;36:200577.

3D visualization of broader forensic interest

  • Schweitzer W, Häusler M, Wyler D, Radue EW, Bär W (2004) Virtuelle Realität: Illustration möglicher Kriterien für die Relevanz visuell räumlicher Darstellungen mittels Anaglyphen. Rechtsmedizin 14: 357 [author’s translation: virtual reality – illustration of possible criteria for the relevance of visually spacial representations using anaglyphs]
  • Schweitzer W, Monnier N, Bär W (2005) Reconstructing 3d models based on two orthogonal x-ray films: an affordable way to estimate shot angles or locate metal fragments. Rechtsmedizin 15(4):325.
  • Häusler M, Schweitzer W,  Bär W (2006) Computergestützte Alterung des Gesichts: Vergleich 15 bekannter Gesichter und 2 aktuelle Anwendungen. Rechtsmedizin 16(4): 256.
  • V. Martos, M. Keller-Sutter, and W. Schweitzer. Videodokumentationen begleiteter Suizidfälle durch Ersticken mittels Helium. Rechtsmedizin, 20:330, 2010.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Giannina Guigni, Michael Thali, and Sebastian Winklhofer. Rechtsmedizinische Bildgebung: postmortales Lungen-CT bei Hypothermie. Rechtsmedizin, 4:319, 2012.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Michael Thali, Michelle Marti, Thomas D. Ruder, and Patrick Steinmann. Rechtsmedizinische Bildgebung: Fallbericht einer tödlichen Lungenrissverletzung nach Apnoetauchvorübungen mit postmortaler CT und regionaler CT-Angiografie. Rechtsmedizin, 4:351, 2012.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Iris Spycher, Sebastian Winklhofer, Michael J. Thali, Thomas D. Ruder, Garyfalia Ampanozi, Patricia M. Flach, and Steffen G. Ross. Assessment of laryngeal tube placement on post mortem computed tomography scans. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 1(3):119-123, 2013.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Giannina Giugni, Michael Thali, and Sebastian Winklhofer. Postmortem Lung CT in Hypothermia — A Retrospective Age Sex matched Study. 65th Anniversary Meeting – American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Washington DC, USA, Feb 18-23, 2013, 2013.
  • W. Schweitzer, Michael Thali, and Lars Ebert. Analyse von Videoaufnahmen konsensueller Choke outs mit Täter/Opfer-Konstellation. Rechtsmedizin, 4:335, 2013.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Sebastian Winklhofer, Michael J. Thali, Nur Adura Yaakup, and Saiful Nizam bin Abdul Rashid. Medicolegal X-Ray and CT of standard size mobile phone cards (SIM card). Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 1(3):129-133, 2013.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Michael J. Thali, and Patricia M. Flach. Plausibility of assisted suicide by ingestion in a case of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 1(4):207-211, 2013.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Michelle Marti, René Majcen, Patrick Steinmann, Michael Thali, Jürgen Fornaro, and Thomas Ruder. Lethal lung tear and coronary artery gas embolism in shallow water apnea diving exercise – PMCT, PMMRI, autopsy and histology. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging , 2014.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Michael Thali, Giannina Giugni, and Sebastian Winklhofer. Postmortem pulmonary CT in hypothermia. Forensic Science Medicine and Pathology, pages 1-13, 2014.
  • W. Schweitzer, Michael Thali, and Thomas Ruder. Rechtsmedizinische Bildgebung: Single-Plane-Charakterisierung von Schädel-CT als Strategie zur effizienteren formvergleichenden Identifizierung. Rechtsmedizin, 4:360, 2014.
  • Wolf Schweitzer. Getting a virtual grasp on the virtual grasp: Virtually inside a myoelectric prosthetic arm. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 2014.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Sabine Franckenberg, and Sebastian Eggert. Porca miseria. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, page – , 2014.
  • Sebastian Eggert, Michael Thali, and Wolf Schweitzer. Bird hunting is to go where the birds are: Alleged single lethal firearm shot to a pigeon in a suburban region. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 19:100339, 2019.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Thomas Ruder, Rilana Baumeister, Stephan Bolliger, Michael Thali, Eva Meixner, and Garyfalia Ampanozi. Implications for forensic death investigations from first Swiss post-mortem CT in a case of non-hospital treatment with COVID-19. Forensic Imaging, 21:200378, 2020
  • Khmara N, Baumeister R, Schweitzer W, Thali M, Ampanozi G. Virtopsy concept around the world: Institute-based survey of worldwide forensic postmortem imaging. Forensic Imaging. 2024 Jun 1;37:200595.

 

Technical builds / developments

  • Wolf Schweitzer, Markus Enders, and Michael Thali. Very affordable post mortem CT angiography kit: Feasibility study using immersion pump and 3D printed parts. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 16:11-18, 2019.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, M. Thali, E. Aldomar, and L. Ebert. Overview of the use of 3D printing in forensic medicine. Rechtsmedizin, pages 1-8, 2020.
  • Zboray R, Schweitzer W, Ebert L, Wolf M, Guglielmini S, Haemmerle S, Weiss S, Koller B. Development of A Micro-CT Scanner with Dual-Energy Option and Endovascular Contrast Agent Administration Protocol for Fetal and Neonatal Virtual Autopsy. Journal of Imaging. 2024 Feb 29;10(3):60

Cardiac conduction system

  • Schweitzer W, Faber C, Haase A, Bär W (2002) Nichtinvasive Untersuchung des Erregungsleitungssystems des Menschen – Pilotstudie an einem 17.6-TESLA Widebore Mikro MR-Scanner. Rechtsmedizin 12/4:301 [author’s translation: non invasive examination of the human cardiac conduction system – pilot study using a 17.6T widebore micro mr-scanner]
  • Steffen C, Schaepman M, Hardmeier T, Schweitzer W (2004) Digital 3D reconstruction of two parahissian accessory bundles in a case of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Int J Legal Med 118: 101-105

Surface scanning, shape matching, statistical evaluations

  • Schweitzer W, Schaepman M Bär W (2003) Geometrie von virtuellen Oberflächen: Darstellung der Passgenauigkeit durch Berechnung einer farbkodierten Fehleroberfläche. Rechtsmedizin 13:259
  • Häusler M, Schweitzer W, Braun M, Brüschweiler W, Bär W (2004) Passgenauigkeits-Bestimmungen mit farbkodierten Fehleroberflächen. Rechtsmedizin 14: 357
  • Schweitzer W, Martinez R, Häusler M, Bär W (2004) „Morphologischer Fingerprint“: Merkmalskombinationen als Methode zur statistischen Zuordnung von Hautverletzungen zu einem Tatwerkzeug oder einer Oberfläche. Rechtsmedizin 14: 359 [author’s translation:morphological fingerprint – feature combination as method for statistically matching skin injuries to injury cause (e.g. tool, surface)]
  • Häusler M, Bär W, Schweitzer W (2005) Visualisation of injury-weapon-matching using color-coded 3D error surfaces: Measures of fit and automatic fitting. Rechtsmedizin 15(4):264.
  • Häusler M, Schweitzer W, Bär W (2006) Methodic improvements of the videosuperimposition for the identification of skulls based on photos. Proceedings of the XXth Congress of International Academy of Legal Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
  • Röhrich E, Schweitzer W, Bär W (2007) Bildgebende Verfahren in der Rechtsmedizin: Eigenschaftsvektoren zur Klassifizierung von dreidimensionalen Wundformen am Modell. Rechtsmedizin 17(4):271.
  • Schweitzer W, Röhrich E, Bär W (2007) Bildgebende Verfahren in der Rechtsmedizin: Performance-Vergleich von Procrustes-Analyse und Shape-Vektoren bei der biometrischen Identifikation von Fingern. Rechtsmedizin 17(4):253.
  • Röhrich E, Bär W, Schweitzer W (2008) Bildgebende Verfahren in der Rechtsmedizin: Eigenschaftsvektoren zur Klassifizierung von dreidimensional digitalisierten Wunden. Rechtsmedizin 18(4): 331.
  • Schweitzer W, Bär W, Röhrich E (2009) Bildgebende Verfahren in der Rechtsmedizin: automatische Klassifizierung von postmortalen CT Lungenbefunden mittels statistischer Geometrie. Rechtsmedizin 19:300.
  • Röhrich E, Bär W, Schweitzer W (2009) Bildverarbeitung in der Rechtsmedizin: Klassifizierung dreidimensionaler Modelle von echten Hautverletzungen mittels statistischer Geometrie. Rechtsmedizin 19:301.
  • Röhrich E, Bär W, Schweitzer W (2009) 3D surface models of skin injuries: examples of shape vectors for classification using curvature derivatives and slice curves. Lissabon, Portugal: IALM.
  • Schweitzer W, Jackowski C, Röhrich E, Bär W (2010) Bildgebende Verfahren in der Rechtsmedizin: automatische Altersschätzung anhand der CT-Morphologie der Humeruskopfspongiosa. Rechtsmedizin 20: 335.
  • Röhrich E, Jackowski C,Bär W, Schweitzer W (2010) Bildgebende Verfahren in der Rechtsmedizin: Passgenauigkeits-Bestimmungen mit farbkodierten Oberflächen (Distanz, Krümmung) bei der forensischen 3D Juxtapositionierung. Rechtsmedizin 20: 357.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Michael Thali, and Thomas D. Ruder. Forensic imaging – Automatic classification of post-mortem lung CT findings. In Online Abstract Book of the Schweizerischer Radiologiekongress, Kongresshaus, Zürich, May 31 to June 2, 2012, page 37, 2012.
  • [PDF] Emil Röhrich, Michael Thali, and Wolf Schweitzer. Skin injury model classification based on shape vector analysis. BMC Medical Imaging, 12(1):32, 2012.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Emil Röhrich, Michael Schaepman, Michael J. Thali, and Lars Ebert. Aspects of 3D surface scanner performance for post-mortem skin documentation in forensic medicine using rigid benchmark objects. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 1(4):167-175, 2013.
  • Emil Röhrich. Applying Mathematical Methods for Shapes in Forensic Pathology. Dissertation, Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät der Universität Zürich, 2014.
  • Diana Kreul, Michael Thali, and Wolf Schweitzer. Case report: Forensic 3D-match of hair brush and scalp abrasions revealing dynamic brush deformation. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 16:34-37, 2019.
  • Fukuda H, Decker SJ, Ford JM, Schweitzer W, Ebert LC. Neural Radiance Fields as a Complementary Method to Photogrammetry for Forensic 3D Documentation: Initial Comparative Insights. Forensic Imaging. 2024 Oct 21:200605.
  • Wolf Schweitzer W, Haruki Fukuda, Michael Thali, Stephan Bolliger, Lars Ebert.  Mobile forensic photogrammetry in the field: Conservative approach to non-collaborative surfaces. Forensic Imaging. 2024 Sep 1;38:200597

 

General contributions

  • [PDF]  Schweitzer W: Nicht-invasive Scanverfahren in der Rechtsmedizin. Bioforum (Git Verlag, Deutschland) 4/2004.
  • Martos V, Keller-Sutter M, Schweitzer W (2010) Videodokumentationen begleiteter Suizidfälle durch Ersticken mittels Helium. Rechtsmedizin 20: 330.
  • Ulrich Weder and Wolf Schweitzer. Der Begriff der Lebensgefahr im Strafrecht. Forum Poenale, 1:25, 2017.
  • [PDF] Wolf Schweitzer, Michael Thali, Robert Breitbeck, and Garyfalia Ampanozi. Virtopsy. Health Management, 14(2):37, 2014.
  • Wolf Schweitzer and Michael J. Thali. Computationally approximated solution for the equation for Henssge’s time of death estimation. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 19(1):1-4, 2019.
  • Christian Jackowski, Bollmann M, Eisenhart D, Fracasso T, Hausmann R, Martinez RM, Schrag B, Schweitzer W, Wittig H. Memento mori! Todesfeststellung und Leichenschau in der Praxis. Swiss Medical Forum 2023 (Vol. 23, No. 24, pp. 1128-1130).

 

DIGITAL AUTOPSY, INSTITUTE OF LEGAL MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY BERN, 2000-2001

The project “Digital Autopsy” of the Institute of Legal Medicine of the University in Bern investigated the value of non- invasive imaging for Forensic Medicine.

In particular, imaging methods (Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging) were used to document morphology, while Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy was employed to compare results with the known or estimated postmortem interval in different settings.

We were successful in setting up this project.

The results that have been collected in the meantime were presented in various ways, by various people working on it.

  • Schweitzer W, Dirnhofer R, Thali M, Vock P, Scheurer E, Boesch C (1999) Project Definition of the Red Box.
  • Schweitzer W, Schaepman M, Ith M, Bruegger K, Thali M, Doernhoefer T, Tiefenthaler K, Scheurer E, Vock P, Boesch C, Dirnhofer R (2001) Evidential value of Post Mortem MRI in Forensic Pathology. Proceedings, SPIE meeting Medical Imaging 2001, Feb 18-24 in San Diego, USA.
  • Schweitzer W, Ketterer T, Stibal A, Zollinger U, Dirnhofer R (2001) Forensic analysis of clinical computed tomography in two cases of blunt head trauma. INPALMS, Melbourne (Australia).
  • Schweitzer W, Thali M, Yen K, Scheurer E, Vock P, Boesch C, Ith M, Sonnenschein M, Bruegger K, Spielvogel E, Koenigsdorfer U, Dorn R, Dirnhofer R (2001) A Case of Suicide by Knife Stab Wound to the Heart: Comparing Autopsy with Post Mortem CT and MRI. INPALMS, Melbourne (Australia).
  • Schweitzer W, Yen K, Thali M, Scheurer E, Vock P, Bösch C, Ith M, Sonnenschein M, Brügger K, Spielvogel E, Königsdorfer U, Dorn R, Dirnhofer R (2001) Virtopsy: Dokumentation von Herzbefunden bei 35 Autopsien im Vergleich mit CT und MRI. 80. Jahrestagung DGRM Interlaken.
  • Schweitzer W, Yen K, Thali M, Scheurer E, Vock P, Bösch C, Ith M, Sonnenschein M, Brügger K, Spielvogel E, Königsdorfer U, Dorn R, Dirnhofer R (2001) Virtopsy: Fallbericht Suizid durch Bruststich – Herausforderung fuer das postmortale CT und MRI. 80. Jahrestagung DGRM Interlaken.

Part of my initial work within this project dealt with visualising cardiac pathology of forensic relevance. While it was still news to say that such a perforating laceration of the base of the heart could not be easily found on CT or MR images (see above citation – poster for San Diego), it became then news to say that it is possible to visualise this laceration. The company selling IDL in Germany, Switzerland and Austria (Creaso in Gilching out of Munich, Germany) also thought this was good news on their (now defunct) news page.

The soft tissue defect shown in the 3D renderings based on CT scans (yellow arrows; Software: IDL 5.4 on a PowerMac G4 / 867 MHz – http://www.rsinc.com, http://www.apple.com) differs in appearance compared to the autopsy finding particularly due to non-invasive data acquisition being non-dynamic, whereas autopsy handling dynamically compresses, stretches or distends soft tissue.

Some other topics covered by the ‘Virtopsy’ group are:

  • Yen K, Thali MJ, Schweitzer W, Scheurer E, Vock P, Ozdoba C, Schroth G, Sonnenschein M, Boesch C, Ith M, Bruegger K, Spielvogel E, Koenigsdorfer U, Dorn R, Dirnhofer R (2001) Atrium Mortis Brain: The Utilization of Image Processing (MRI, Multi-Slice CT) to Diagnose Skull/Brain Injuries Post Mortem. INPALMS, Melbourne (Australia).
  • Thali MJ, Yen K, Schweitzer W, Scheurer E, Vock P, Ozdoba C, Schroth G, Sonnenschein M, Boesch C, Ith M, Bruegger K, Spielvogel E, Koenigsdorfer U, Dorn R, Dirnhofer R (2001) New Horizons In Forensic Radiology: Documentation and Analysis of Gunshot Victims with Postmortem Multislice Computertomography and Magnetic Resonance. INPALMS, Melbourne (Australia)
  • Yen K, Thali M, Schweitzer W, Scheurer E, Vock P, Ozdoba C, Schroth G, Sonnenschein M, Boesch C, Ith M, Brügger K, Spielvogel E, Königsdorfer U, Dorn R, Dirnhofer R (2001) Virtopsy: Postmortale MS-CT und MR-Untersuchungen nach stumpfer Gewalteinwirkung; Darstellung anhand von Verkehrsunfällen. 80. Jahrestagung DGRM Interlaken.
  • Thali M, Yen K, Schweitzer W, Kneubuehl B, Scheurer E, Vock P, Ozdoba C, Schroth G, Sonnenschein M, Ith M, Boesch C, Brügger K, Spielvogel E, Königsdorfer U, Dorn R, Dirnhofer R (2001) Virtopsy: Schuss. Postmortale Multislice-CT und MR-Untersuchung. 80. Jahrestagung DGRM Interlaken.
  • Thali M, Yen K, Schweitzer W, Kneubuehl B, Scheurer E, Vock P, Ozdoba C, Schroth G, Sonnenschein M, Ith M, Boesch C, Brügger K, Spielvogel E, Königsdorfer U, Dorn R, Dirnhofer R (2001) Virtopsy: Scharfe Gewalt, Strangulation, Hitze, Faeulnis – postmortale Multisclice-CT und MR-Untersuchung. 80. Jahrestagung DGRM Interlaken.
  • Yen K, Thali M, Schweitzer W, Scheurer E, Vock P, Ozdoba C, Schroth G, Sonnenschein M, Boesch C, Ith M, Brügger K, Spielvogel E, Königsdorfer U, Dorn R, Dirnhofer R (2001) Virtopsy: Der Einsatz bildgebender Verfahren (MR, MS-CT) zur postmortalen Diagnostik von Schaedelhirn-Verletzungen. 80. Jahrestagung DGRM Interlaken.
  • Ith M, Scheurer E, Kreis R, Yen K, Thali M, Schweitzer W, Dirnhofer R, Boesch C (2001) 1H-MR-Spektroskopie in der forensischen Medizin I: Eine neue Methode zur Schätzung der postmortalen Liegezeit. 80. Jahrestagung DGRM Interlaken.
  • Scheurer E, Ith M, Kreis R, Yen K, Thali M, Schweitzer W, Boesch C, Dirnhofer R (2001) 1H-MR-Spektroskopie in der forensischen Medizin II: eine Pilotstudie zur Todeszeitschätzung am Gehirn von Schafen und Menschen. 80. Jahrestagung DGRM Interlaken.
  • Thali MJ, Yen K, Schweitzer W, Vock P, Ozdoba C, Dirnhofer R (2003) Into the decomposed body-forensic digital autopsy using multislice-computed tomography. Forensic Sci Int. 134(2-3):109-14.
  • Thali MJ, Yen K, Schweitzer W, Vock P, Boesch C, Ozdoba C, Schroth G, Ith M, Sonnenschein M, Doernhoefer T, Scheurer E, Plattner T, Dirnhofer R (2003) Virtopsy, a new imaging horizon in forensic pathology: virtual autopsy by postmortem multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–a feasibility study. J Forensic Sci. 48(2):386-403
  • Thali MJ, Schweitzer W, Yen K, Vock P, Ozdoba C, Spielvogel E, Dirnhofer R. (2003) New horizons in forensic radiology: the 60-second digital autopsy-full-body examination of a gunshot victim by multislice computed tomography. Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 24(1):22-7.
  • Thali MJ, Yen K, Plattner T, Schweitzer W, Vock P, Ozdoba C, Dirnhofer R. (2002) Charred body: virtual autopsy with multi-slice computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. J Forensic Sci. 47(6):1326-31.

CARDIAC PATHOLOGY: COMPARISON OF MR, MACRO AND MICRO PATHOLOGY 1997-1998

Supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation and Ciba Geigy Research Foundation, in cooperation with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre

  • Schweitzer W, Ranson D, Czuczman F, Heyward J, Schaepman M, Dangel S, Robertson S, Stella D (1998) Defining the “pink box”: A model based approach to 3D radiology and pathology using the geometric properties of anatomical structures. presented at the Annual Meeting of the Forensic Section of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia FRCPA 1998
  • Schweitzer W, Robertson S, Stella D, Czucman F, Schaepman M, Dangel S, Dirnhofer R (1999) Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Cardiac Pathology in 50 Native Human Autopsy Hearts. Proceedings of the International Association of Forensic Sciences 15th Triennial Meeting, Los Angeles. * Schweitzer W, Robertson S, Fabini R, Ranson D, Cordner S, Dirnhofer R (2001) Cardiac macroscopy, microscopy and Troponin I compared to postmortem cardiac MR imaging in 50 cases. INPALMS, Melbourne (Australia).

CARDIAC PATHOLOGY IN TMRL

  • Schweitzer W, Schneider J, Maass D, Hardmeier Th (1997) Transmyokardiale Laserrevaskularisation – Histopathologische Befunde an Laserkanaelen bei 10 postoperativ verstorbenen Patienten 1 bis 18 Tage nach Behandlung mit einem CO2-Laser. Pathologe 18:374-384.
  • Schweitzer W, Maass D, Schaepman M, Wagen M, Ranson D, Hardmeier Th (1998) Digital 3D image reconstruction of ventriculocapillary communication as revealed in one case after transmyocardial laser revascularization. Pathology Research & Practice 194:65-71.
  • Schweitzer W, Dangel S, Schaepman M, Wagen M, Maass D, Cordner S, Hardmeier Th (1998) Comparison of maximal left ventricular intramyocardial artery lumen diameter in 2 aneurysmectomy specimen after TMR and 44 control patients. Lasermedizin 13:83-101.
  • Schweitzer W, Schaepman M, Schneider J, Maass D, Hardmeier Th (1998) Histological findings after TMR – conclusions for the underlying principle. in: Hetzer R (editor) Proceedings 2nd International TMR Meeting April 1997 in Berlin. Ecomed, Landsberg.
  • Schweitzer W, Maass D, Hardmeier T, Dangel S, Czuczman F, Schaepman M, Wagen M (1999) Histopathological findings in TMR. in: Okada M, ed. (1999) Current topics in TMR. Tokyo: Springer, 2001.

CARDIAC CONDUCTION SYSTEM IN SIDS

  • Schweitzer W, Schneider J, Breitbach Th, Hardmeier Th (1996) Cardiac findings in suddenly and unexpectedly died infants with respect to the cardiac conduction system. Presentation at the 75. Annual meeting of the German Society of Forensic Medicine in Zuerich/Switzerland, 27. September 1996 in Zuerich. Presentation at the annual meeting of the Swiss Society of Pathology, Meeting in Sion/Switzerland 7.-9. November 1996 in Sion/Switzerland.

CARDIAC CONDUCTION SYSTEM IN FORENSIC PATHOLOGY

  • Schweitzer W, Cordner S (1999) Cardiovascular Pathology and Sudden Death. in: Freckelton I, Selby H, ed. (1999) Expert Evidence in Criminal Law. Sydney: LBC Information Services, p. 497-519 – and in: Freckelton I, Selby H, ed. (1999) Expert Evidence. Sydney: LBC Information Services (5 Vol.)

TECHNICAL BELOW ELBOW AMPUTEE ISSUES

Opinions, current updates, tech views and tips, and unreviewed own articles, here.

  • Wolf Schweitzer. Improving Prosthetic Arms through Better Testing. The O and P Edge, page 96, August 2014.
  • Wolf Schweitzer. Getting a virtual grasp on the virtual grasp: Virtually inside a myoelectric prosthetic arm. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 2014.
  • Wolf Schweitzer, Michael J. Thali, and David Egger. Case-study of a user-driven prosthetic arm design: bionic hand versus customized body-powered technology in a highly demanding work environment. Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation, 15(1):1, 2018. [link]

 

 

ROUTINE WORK

Already case-based routine work involves a variety of issues, which are addressed on an individual basis. I am interested in sampling issues as well as reporting issues.

  • Report generation on location One approach we tested a while ago based on the observation that immediate reporting generates better reports than later reporting. This has been abandoned for a range of reasons, including the problem that one would have to focus on a little computer even more than one would have to focus on a big computer.Wolf Schweitzer and Thomas Hardmeier. Digitale Handschriftenerkennung zur Datenerfassung für Autopsieberichte mit einem Apple Newton. Pathologe, 17:399-402, 1996.
  • Development of information segmentation in order to facilitate report generation using relational database files (Filemaker) This project could be released as soon as we are able to find time to fork it off into a new domain. You know how some subjects need a subdomain? Consider [..] an internally developed class library that provides an individual with a significant competitive advantage in some application domain. For that individual to choose to place that library on the open market, there must be overwhelming monetary benefit to justify the risk of losing the advantage that the library provides the individual alone. […] Some of the best libraries, therefore, will never make it to the open market, but this is the right of a free market. — read: Eykholt (1998) Best of Booch. Cambridge University Press.Wolf Schweitzer, Christine Bartsch, Thomas D. Ruder, and Michael J. Thali. Virtopsy approach: Structured reporting versus free reporting for PMCT findings. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, 2(1):28-33, 2014. [link: online PMCT reporting tools]
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