title: Reconstruction and exploration of virtual middle-ear models derived from micro-CT datasets.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Middle-ear anatomy is integrally linked to both its normal function and its response to disease processes. Micro-CT imaging provides an opportunity to capture high-resolution anatomical data in a relatively quick and non-destructive manner. However, to optimally extract functionally relevant details, an intuitive means of reconstructing and interacting with these data is needed.
  
  
  METHODS
  A micro-CT scanner was used to obtain high-resolution scans of freshly explanted human temporal bones. An advanced volume renderer was adapted to enable real-time reconstruction, display, and manipulation of these volumetric datasets. A custom-designed user interface provided for semi-automated threshold segmentation. A 6-degrees-of-freedom navigation device was designed and fabricated to enable exploration of the 3D space in a manner intuitive to those comfortable with the use of a surgical microscope. Standard haptic devices were also incorporated to assist in navigation and exploration.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our visualization workstation could be adapted to allow for the effective exploration of middle-ear micro-CT datasets. Functionally significant anatomical details could be recognized and objective data could be extracted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We have developed an intuitive, rapid, and effective means of exploring otological micro-CT datasets. This system may provide a foundation for additional work based on middle-ear anatomical data.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-HNS, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. dhoonlee.biz+elsevier@gmail.com
authors.forename: Dong H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Sonny
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Curt
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Salisbury
authors.forename: Namkeun
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Salisbury
authors.forename: Sunil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Puria
authors.forename: Nikolas H
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Blevins
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D016208:Databases, Factual; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D012984:Software; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography