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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to medical apparatus in general, and more particularly to anatomical visualization systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Many medical procedures must be carried out at an interior anatomical site which is normally hidden from the view of the physician. In these situations, the physician typically uses some sort of scanning device to examine the patient's anatomy at the interior site prior to, and in preparation for, conducting the actual medical procedure. Such scanning devices typically include CT scanners, MRI devices, X-ray machines, ultrasound devices and the like, and essentially serve to provide the physician with some sort of visualization of the patient's interior anatomical structure prior to commencing the actual medical procedure. The physician can then use this information to plan the medical procedure in advance, taking into account patient-specific anatomical structure. In addition, the physician can also use t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved anatomical visualization system wherein a scanned 2-D slice image can be appropriately combined with an image generated from a 3-D database so as to create a single composite image.

[0013] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved anatomical visualization system wherein a margin of pre-determined size can be associated with a marker of the sort described above, and further wherein the margin will be automatically incorporated into the 3-D computer model, and into any other 2-D slice image data, in association with that marker.

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore, in many cases, the anatomical structures of interest to the physician may be quite small and / or difficult to identify with the naked eye.

While the 2-D slice images generated by the aforementioned scanning devices, and / or the 3-D database images generated by the aforementioned associated computer hardware and software, are generally of great benefit to physicians, certain significant limitations still exist.

Unfortunately, physicians can sometimes have difficulty correlating what they see on a particular scanned 2-D slice image with what they see on a particular image generated from the 3-D database.

In these situations it can be relatively difficult and / or time-consuming for the physician to accurately measure and record all of the anatomical dimensions needed for proper sizing of the prosthetic device to the patient.

Such anatomical measurement and recordation can be difficult and / or time-consuming with existing visualization systems.

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