This thesis presents research carried out for the visualisation of surface anatomy data stored as large range images such as those produced by stereo-photogrammetric, and other triangulation-based capture devices. As part of this research, I explored the use of points as a rendering primitive as opposed to polygons, and the use of range images as the native data representation. Using points as a display primitive as opposed to polygons required the creation of a pipeline that solved problems associated with point-based rendering. The problems inves tigated were scattered-data interpolation (a common problem with point-based rendering), multi-view rendering, multi-resolution representations, anti-aliasing, and hidden-point re- moval. In addition, an efficient real-time implementation on the GPU was carried out.

There are various problems with the treatments for bladder cancer. The studies in this thesis aimed to decrease these problems or conduct research that would aid future work and development in the area. The mechanical properties of normal and malignant bladder tissue were quantified using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). A uniaxial testing machine applied sinusoidally varying strains to specimens and the response stresses were measured; from this the elastic and viscous components of the soft tissues were calculated. \(Porcine\) bladder tissue was used as a model for normal bladder and exhibited a higher modulus than tumourous bladder tissue. Potentially these viscoelastic properties have many utilities, which include but are not limited to: diagnosis of bladder tumours, computational modelling of the bladder, comparison to current replacement materials, manufacture of more appropriate bladder replacement materials and manufacture of synthetic tumours for surgical trainers. One problem with the procedure for removing non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is tumour re-implantation. An add-on instrument was designed, manufactured and tested to attempt to stop the travel of tumourous cells which could then re-implant. A prototype of the device was manufactured using the shape memory metal nickel titanium in conjunction with latex. The device would open into a cone shape once inside the bladder to physically prevent the movement of tumour cells away from the tumour site. The prototype was successfully tested in replica surgical conditions with blue dyes. With development, it is hoped that this design can assist in reducing the high recurrence rate of NMIBC.

The primary aim of this thesis was to develop more acceptable methods of ballistic neck protection that could replace the existing OSPREY ballistic neck collar. Clinical and post mortem injury analysis, computed tomography interpretation and ergonomics assessments were undertaken, resulting in the recommendation of two prototype designs to the Ministry of Defence. These two prototypes have subsequently been renamed the Enhanced Protection Under Body Armour Combat Shirt and the Patrol collar, and are now issued to all UK armed forces personnel deploying on operations overseas. The secondary aim of this thesis was to develop methods to validate the potential medical effectiveness of future body armour designs. Two new novel injury models have been developed using an anthropometrically accurate three- dimensional representation of cervical anatomical structures. Penetration of representative fragment simulating projectiles through skin and muscle was determined experimentally using physical and animal simulants. The Coverage of Armour Tool is being used in the current Ministry of Defence VIRTUS procurement programme to rule out future body armour designs on medical grounds, thereby greatly reducing the number of prototypes requiring ergonomics assessment.