Virtual endoscopy of the head and neck. Diagnosis using three-dimensional visualization and virtual representation.
BACKGROUND
Although flexible endoscopy is only 25 years old, a new technology may soon be used to provide the same view of internal organs without inserting an instrument. This is virtual endoscopy.


METHODS
By acquiring patient specific high resolution digital images with a helical CT scan or MRI, individual organs can be graphically isolated or "segmented" into fully interactive 3-D reconstructions on a computer monitor. Applying sophisticated flight-tracking programs from military pilots, the organs can be "flown through", giving a view identical to endoscopy.


CONCLUSIONS
In the future we will fly through data instead of inserting endoscopic instruments for gastrointestinal endoscopic diagnosis.
Jones
S B
SB
National Naval Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
Satava
R M
RM
D003198:Computer Simulation; D019723:Endoscopes; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation; D014584:User-Computer Interface