Integration of stereoscopic DSA with three-dimensional image reconstruction for stereotactic planning

Following 4 years of experience using a microcomputer-based system for the planning of stereotactic neurosurgery, we have now developed a workstation with the capability of displaying and analyzing three-dimensional images for this purpose. In addition to viewing volumetrically rendered three-dimensional computer tomograms and magnetic resonance images, we may directly view and analyze stereoscopic digital angiograms. In addition to each set of images being viewed in isolation, we may also combine the three-dimensional anatomical images with the stereoscopic angiograms. This new system is based on a computer equipped with a light polarization switched screen capable of displaying stereoscopic images directly to the observer, thus permitting him to interact with the three-dimensional volume directly, determining coordinates and positioning probe trajectories.