KEYWORDS: Visualization, Human-machine interfaces, Surgery, Databases, Computing systems, 3D image processing, 3D visualizations, 3D modeling, 3D image reconstruction, Medical imaging
The interpretation of radiological image is routine but it remains a rather difficult task for physicians. It requires complex mental processes, that permit translation from 2D slices into 3D localization and volume determination of visible diseases. An easier and more extensive visualization and exploitation of medical images can be reached through the use of computer-based systems that provide real help from patient admission to post-operative followup. In this way, we have developed a 3D visualization interface linked to a PACS database that allows manipulation and interaction on virtual organs delineated from CT-scan or MRI. This software provides the 3D real-time surface rendering of anatomical structures, an accurate evaluation of volumes and distances and the improvement of radiological image analysis and exam annotation through a negatoscope tool. It also provides a tool for surgical planning allowing the positioning of an interactive laparoscopic instrument and the organ resection. The software system could revolutionize the field of computerized imaging technology. Indeed, it provides a handy and portable tool for pre-operative and intra-operative analysis of anatomy and pathology in various medical fields. This constitutes the first step of the future development of augmented reality and surgical simulation systems.
Luc Soler, Herve Delingette, Gregoire Malandain, Johan Montagnat, Nicholas Ayache, Jean-Marie Clement, Christophe Koehl, Olivier Dourthe, Didier Mutter, Jacques Marescaux
To facilitate hepatic surgical planning, we have developed a new system for the automatic 3D delineation of anatomical and pathological hepatic structures from a spiral CT scan. This system also extracts functional information useful for surgery planning, such as portal vein labeling and anatomical segment delineation following the conventional Couinaud definition. From a 2 mm thick enhanced spiral CT scan, a first stage automatically delineates the skin, bones, lungs and kidneys, by combining the use of thresholding, mathematical morphological methods and distance maps. Next, a reference 3D model is immerged in the image and automatically deformed to the liver contour. Then an automatic Gaussians fitting on the imaging histogram allows to threshold the intensities of parenchyma, vessels and lesions. The next stage improves this first classification by an original topological and geometrical analysis, providing an automatic and precise delineation of lesions and veins. Finally, a topological and geometrical analysis based on medical knowledge provides the hepatic functional information invisible in medical imaging: portal vein labeling and hepatic anatomical segments. Clinical validation performed on more than 30 patients shows that this method allows a delineation of anatomical structures, often more sensitive and more specific than manual delineation by a radiologist.
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