Anatomical visualization system

Abstract

The present invention provides an anatomical visualization system comprising a first database that comprises a plurality of 2-D slice images generated by scanning a structure. The 2-D slice images are stored in a first data format. A second database is also provided that comprises a 3-D computer model of the scanned structure. The 3-D computer model comprises a first software object that is defined by a 3-D geometry database. Apparatus are provided for inserting a second software object into the 3-D computer model so as to augment the 3-D computer model. The second software object is also defined by a 3-D geometry database, and includes a planar surface. Apparatus for determining the specific 2-D slice image associated with the position of the planar surface of the second software object within the augmented 3-D computer model are provided in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Also provided are apparatus for texture mapping the specific 2-D slice image onto the planar surface of the second software object. Display apparatus are provided for displaying an image of the augmented 3-D computer model so as to simultaneously provide a view of the first software object and the specific 2-D slice image texture mapped onto the planar surface of the second software object. In another form of the present invention, apparatus and method are provided for determining patient-specific anatomical dimensions using appropriate scanned 2-D slice image information. The apparatus and method are particularly well suited for determining patient-specific anatomical dimensions with respect to branching anatomical structures, e.g., vascular structures.

1 . A system for determining patient-specific anatomical dimensions using appropriate scanned 2-D image data, said system comprising: 
 means for assembling an appropriate set of scanned 2-D images into a 3-D database;    means for extracting a computer model of a patient-specific anatomical structure from the information contained in said 3-D database; and    means for calculating desired patient-specific anatomical dimensions from said computer model.    
   
   
       2 . A system for determining patient-specific anatomical dimensions for structures which have a branching configuration by using appropriate scanned 2-D image data, said system comprising: 
 an appropriate set of scanned 2-D images assembled into a 3-D database, said 3-D database comprising a volumetric data set;    means for segmenting said volumetric data set into a set of 3-D locations corresponding to a specific anatomical structure to be measured;    means for specifying, for each branching structure contained within said specific anatomical structure, a branch line in said volumetric data set that uniquely indicates said branch structure, with said branch line being specified by selecting appropriate start and end locations on two of said set of scanned 2-D images;    means for calculating, for each branching structure contained within said specific anatomical structure, a centroid path in said volumetric data set for that branching structure, with said centroid path being determined by calculating, for each scanned 2-D image corresponding to said branch line, a centroid for the branch structure contained in that particular scanned 2-D image;    means for applying a curve-fitting algorithm to said centroid paths so as to supply data for any portions of said anatomical structure which may lie between said branch lines, and for smoothing out any noise that may occur in said system, whereby to create resulting space curves; and    means for calculating said desired anatomical dimensions from said resulting space curves.    
   
   
       3 . A system according to  claim 2  wherein said segmenting means comprise means for conducting a connected component search.  
   
   
       4 . A system according to  claim 2  wherein said means for applying a curve-fitting algorithm comprise means for applying a spline-fitting routine.  
   
   
       5 . A method for calculating patient-specific anatomical dimensions using appropriate scanned 2-D image data, said method comprising the steps of: 
 (A) assembling an appropriate set of scanned 2-D images into a 3-D database;    (B) extracting a computer model of a patient-specific anatomical structure from the information contained in said 3-D database; and    (C) calculating desired patient-specific anatomical dimensions from said computer model.    
   
   
       6 . A method for calculating patient-specific anatomical dimensions for structures which have a branching configuration by using appropriate scanned 2-D image data, said method comprising the steps of: 
 (A) assembling an appropriate set of scanned 2-D images into a 3-D database, said 3-D database comprising a volumetric data set;    (B) segmenting said volumetric data set into a set of 3-D locations corresponding to a specific anatomical structure to be measured;    (C) specifying, for each branching structure contained within said specific anatomical structure, a branch line in said volumetric data set that uniquely indicates said branch structure, with said branch line being specified by selecting appropriate start and end locations on two of said set of scanned 2-D images;    (D) calculating, for each branching structure contained within said specific anatomical structure, a centroid path in said volumetric data set for said branching structure, with said centroid path being determined by calculating, for each scanned 2-D image corresponding to said branch line, a centroid for the branch structure contained in that particular scanned 2-D image;    (E) applying a curve-fitting algorithm to said centroid paths so as to supply data for any portions of said anatomical structure which may lie between said branch lines, and for smoothing out any noise that may occur in said system, whereby to create resulting space curves; and    (F) calculating said desired anatomical dimensions from said resulting space curves.    
   
   
       7 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein said segmenting is achieved by utilizing a connected component search.  
   
   
       8 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein said curve-fitting algorithm is a spline-fitting routine.