Computerized Three-Dimensional Intravascular Reconstruction

The development of digital image processing for intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has advanced significantly over the last five years. Various computerized imaging techniques described in the literature have brought a new and unique method for visualizing two-dimensional IVUS of coronary arteries and other vascular structures to the cardiac catheterization suite.[l-11] Early development focused on computerized cross-sectional viewing of two-dimensional IVUS images, whereas three-dimensional modeling was based on software algorithms developed for multiplanar and three- dimensional modeling of images provided by computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRJ). This early work allowed researchers to present heuristic three-dimensional modeling while newer algorithms were in development for IVUS.