Semiautomated segmentation and 3D reconstruction of coronary trees: biplane angiography and intravascular ultrasound data fusion

In this paper, we describe an approach to 3D reconstruction of the coronary tree based on combined use of biplane coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Shortly before the start of a constant-speed IVUS pullback, radiopaque dye is injected into the examined coronary tree and the heart is imaged with a calibrated biplane X-ray system. The 3D centerline of the coronary tree is reconstructed from the geometrically corrected biplane angiograms using an automated segmentation method and manual matching of corresponding branching points. The borders of vessel wall and plaque are automatically detected in the acquired pullback images and the IVUS cross sections are mapped perpendicular to the previously reconstructed 3D vessel centerline. In addition, the twist of the IVUS probe due to the curvature of the coronary artery is calculated for a torsion-free catheter and the whole vessel reconstruction is rotationally adjusted using available anatomic landmarks. The accuracy of the biplane reconstruction procedure is validated by means of a left coronary tree phantom. The feasibility of the entire approach is demonstrated in a cadaveric pig heart.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.