Simulation-based medical planning for cardiovascular disease: visualization system foundations.
A technique for visualizing computational models along with volumetric imaging data in a real-time, interactive, simulation-based medical planning system for cardiovascular disease treatment is described. This technique involves an ordered rendering of faceted geometry and volumetric image data. We have developed a software system based on this image-fusion technique that is capable of capturing and representing the inherent anatomic constraints of an individual patient. Such constraints must be represented accurately in a medical planning system to ensure the validity of a potential procedure. A hypothetical clinical scenario is described for which vascular treatment plans were constructed pre-operatively without reference to the physical anatomic structure. These models were later embedded into patient-specific diagnostic MRA scans to establish the anatomic context for physiologic observations.
Spicer
S A
SA
Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University, CA 94305-5642, USA. spicer@bme.stanford.edu
Taylor
C A
CA
D000465:Algorithms; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000628:therapy*