Computerized CT-based 3D visualization technique in living related liver transplantation

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Planning
• Transplantation Surgery

Background:

• Accurate diagnostic workup is crucial for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).
• Current imaging methods face challenges in assessing vascular and bile duct anatomy, graft volume, and vascular territories.
• A need exists for improved 3D visualization systems for enhanced precision in LDLT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of 3D CT-based visualization for improving diagnostic accuracy in LDLT.
• To assess the system's capability for interactive surgery planning and intraoperative guidance.
• To determine if 3D CT visualization can reduce the need for invasive diagnostic procedures.

Main Methods:

• Multislice CT examinations were performed on 16 LDLT candidates and 3 recipients.
• Image processing involved segmentation and centerline calculation for 3D visualization.
• A hierarchical mathematical model was developed to represent vascular and biliary trees and calculate vascular territories.

Main Results:

• 3D CT visualization demonstrated high accuracy in analyzing vascular and bile duct variants, volumetry, and optimal liver splitting lines.
• Preoperative display and quantification of arterial devascularization or venous congestion were possible.
• The method significantly impacts patient selection and intraoperative surgical guidance.

Conclusions:

• 3D CT-based visualization is a highly accurate tool for LDLT diagnostic workup.
• This technology enhances surgical planning and intraoperative guidance, improving precision.
• 3D CT visualization can potentially replace multiple, invasive imaging approaches in LDLT.