Three-dimensional reconstruction of arteries from biplane angiograms

The automatic production of three-dimensional computer models of arteries is described, where the originating data are a pair of biplane X-ray angiograms. It is shown that a limited number of plausible reconstructions can be built without use of anatomical knowledge, other than the realization that arteries are continuous, connected pipes. There are indications that further research will be able to identify the unique reconstruction that matches the original structure. The process avoids the extensive human operator intervention and simplifying assumptions used by other researchers.