A novel method for three-dimensional reconstruction of coronary arterial trees from biplane angiograms

A novel method of visualization of three-dimensional (3-D) arterial trees from the arterial cross-sections estimated from biplane angiograms is described. For computer generated data, the cross-sectional areas can be precisely computed using an elliptical model. However two views such as represented in biplane angiograms result in two ellipses of different eccentricities having the same area. Therefore the 3-D reconstructed coronary arteries can be visualized in two somewhat different shapes. At least three views are needed for unique 3-D reconstruction of the coronary artery when an elliptical model is used. A parametric model for observed intensity distribution of an arterial cross-section is developed and used to estimate not only transverse areas but parameters of the ellipse which are essential in 3-D reconstruction of an arterial segment. This model takes into account background intensity, noise and blurring. The performance of this model has been tested on computer-generated and actual data and compared to those of other methods for estimating arterial dimensions. Furthermore, 3-D reconstruction of arterial segments using elliptical model from computer-generated biplane angiogram data has shown excellent results. The accuracy of the computed cross-sectional area of coronary arterial trees and their 3-D visualization should provide better information for diagnostic decision and management of cardiac patients.