Anatomical visualization and measurement system

Abstract

The present invention provides an anatomical visualization and measurement 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 is provided for selecting a particular 2-D slice image from the first database. Apparatus is also 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. The second software object is inserted into the 3-D computer model at the position which corresponds to the position of the selected 2-D slice image relative to the scanned structure. Apparatus is also provided for texture mapping the specific 2-D slice image onto the planar surface of the second software object. Display apparatus is 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. Apparatus and method are also provided for determining structural dimensions and volumes using appropriate scanned 2-D slice image information. The apparatus and method are particularly well suited for determining dimensions with respect to structures which follow a tortuous path and/or have a complex branching structure, e.g., vascular structures. Among other things, the present invention permits an appropriate set of scanned 2-D images to be assembled into a 3-D database, information regarding selected structural features to be segmented out of the 3-D database, and measurements to be made based on these structural features. In addition, the present invention permits a set of oblique images to be generated based on these structural features, which oblique images may themselves be used for measurement purposes.

1 . A computer-based visualization system for visualizing anatomical structure and a graft implant which is to be deployed adjacent the anatomical structure, comprising: 
 a 3-D computer model of the anatomical structure which is to be visualized, said 3-D computer model comprising at least one first software object, wherein said at least one first software object corresponds to the anatomical structure which is to be visualized;    a database of second software objects, wherein at least one of said second software objects corresponds to a graft implant which is to be deployed adjacent the anatomical structure;    selection apparatus for permitting a user to select said at least one of said second software objects;    registration apparatus for positioning said selected at least one of said second software objects into said 3-D computer model so as to create an augmented 3-D computer model, with said selected at least one of said second software objects being positioned in said augmented 3-D computer model in proper registration with said at least one first software object contained in said augmented 3-D model; and    processing apparatus for generating an image of said augmented 3-D computer model so as to simultaneously provide a view of said at least one first software object and said selected at least one second software object.    
     
     
         2 . A method for visualizing anatomical structure and a graft implant which is to be deployed adjacent the anatomical structure, comprising: 
 providing a 3-D computer model of the anatomical structure which is to be visualized, said 3-D computer model comprising at least one first software object, wherein said at least one first software object corresponds to the anatomical structure which is to be visualized;    providing a database of second software objects, wherein at least one of said second software objects corresponds to a graft implant which is to be deployed adjacent the anatomical structure;    selecting said at least one of said second software objects;    positioning said selected at least one of said second software objects into said 3-D computer model so as to create an augmented 3-D computer model, with said selected at least one of said second software objects being positioned in said augmented 3-D computer model in proper registration with said at least one first software object contained in said augmented 3-D model; and    generating an image of said augmented 3-D computer model so as to simultaneously provide a view of said at least one first software object and said selected at least one second software object.    
     
     
         3 . A visualization system comprising: 
 a first database comprising a plurality of 2-D slice images generated by scanning an anatomical structure, said 2-D slice images being stored in a first data format;    a second database comprising a 3-D computer model of said scanned anatomical structure, said 3-D computer model comprising at least one first software object, said at least one first software object being defined by a 3-D geometry database;    insertion apparatus for selectively inserting a second software object into said 3-D computer model so as to augment said 3-D computer model, said second software object being defined by a 3-D geometry database and including a planar surface;    determining apparatus for determining the specific 2-D slice image associated with the position of said planar surface of said second software object when said second software object is inserted within said augmented 3-D computer model;    texture mapping apparatus for texture mapping said specific 2-D slice image onto said planar surface of said second software object when said second software object is inserted within said augmented 3-D computer model;    a third database of third software objects, wherein at least one of said third software objects corresponds to a graft implant which is to be deployed adjacent the scanned anatomical structure;    selection apparatus for permitting a user to select said at least one of said third software objects;    registration apparatus for selectively positioning said selected at least one of said third software objects into said augmented 3-D computer model, with said selected at least one of said third software objects being positioned in said augmented 3-D computer model in proper registration with said at least one first software object contained in said augmented 3-D model; and    display apparatus for displaying an image of said augmented 3-D computer model so as to simultaneously provide a view of said (i) first software object; (ii) said specific 2-D slice image texture mapped onto said planar surface of said second software object when said second software object is inserted within said augmented 3-D computer model; and (iii) said at least one of said third software objects when said at least on one of said third software objects is positioned within said augmented 3-D computer model.    
     
     
         4 . A method for visualizing structure, comprising: 
 providing a first database comprising a plurality of 2-D slice images generated by scanning an anatomical structure, said 2-D slice images being stored in a first data format;    providing a second database comprising a 3-D computer model of said scanned anatomical structure, said 3-D computer model comprising at least one first software object, said at least one first software object being defined by a 3-D geometry database;    providing insertion apparatus for selectively inserting a second software object into said 3-D computer model so as to augment said 3-D computer model, said second software object being defined by a 3-D geometry database and including a planar surface;    providing determining apparatus for determining the specific 2-D slice image associated with the position of said planar surface of said second software object when said second software object is inserted within said augmented 3-D computer model;    providing texture mapping apparatus for texture mapping said specific 2-D slice image onto said planar surface of said second software object when said second software object is inserted within said augmented 3-D computer model;    providing a third database of third software objects, wherein at least one of said third software objects corresponds to a graft implant which is to be deployed adjacent the scanned anatomical structure;    selecting said at least one of said third software objects;    positioning said selected at least one of said third software objects into said augmented 3-D computer model, with said selected at least one of said third software objects being positioned in said augmented 3-D computer model in proper registration with said at least one first software object contained in said augmented 3-D model; and    displaying an image of said augmented 3-D computer model so as to simultaneously provide a view of (i) said first software object; (ii) said at least one of said third software objects; and (iii) said specific 2-D slice image texture mapped onto said planar surface of said second software object when said second software object is inserted within said augmented 3-D computer model.