Application of a 3D display system for biplane cerebral angiography

To improve the total safety for the biplane cerebral angiographic examination, we have developed a new three dimensional (3D) display system. By applying this system, shortening the examination time and reducing the risk of infection and embolization were achieved. We added just one graphic-workstation for 3D reconstruction to an ordinary biplane digital-cine-angiography system. This system can process the images of angiogram extempore in a short time and display the run of arterial vessels to the examiner. Biplane images were taken from the digital-cine-angiography system into the workstation through a video display. Three dimensional positions were calculated and displayed on a CRT monitor. It took from 15 to 45 seconds for the calculation. This system could display instantly the run of arterial vessels from any angle by using the computer mouse. Our system doesn't disturb the examination, but helps us to understand the run of the arterial vessels. This system was useful in cases where the arteries wound their way around or over-lapped each other.