Methods and apparatus provide continuous guidance of
endoscopy during a live procedure. A data-set based on 3D image data is pre-computed including reference information representative of a predefined
route through a body organ to a final destination. A plurality of live real endoscopic (RE) images are displayed as an operator maneuvers an
endoscope within the body organ. A registration and tracking
algorithm registers the data-set to one or more of the RE images and continuously maintains the registration as the
endoscope is locally maneuvered. Additional information related to the final destination is then presented enabling the
endoscope operator to decide on a final maneuver for the procedure. The reference information may include 3D organ surfaces, 3D routes through an
organ system, or 3D regions of interest (ROIs), as well as a virtual endoscopic (VE) image generated from the precomputed data-set. The preferred method includes the step of superimposing one or both of the 3D routes and ROIs on one or both of the RE and VE images. The 3D organ surfaces and routes may correspond to the surfaces and paths of a tracheobronchial
airway tree extracted, for example, from 3D MDCT images of the chest.