High-resolution visualization of the heart surface using multi-detector computed tomography: A case study of coronary...

Multi-detector computed tomography is commonly used as a preoperative screening tool for coronary artery bypass grafting. Electrocardiographically gated cardiac computed tomography facilitates accurate identification and assessment of the target coronary artery segment. While cardiac computed tomography can visualize the morphology of coronary arteries, the surgeon's view of the heart surface may differ considerably because the arteries can be obscured by the myocardium (myocardial bridge), pericardial fat, or parallel-running coronary branches. To address this, we developed a dedicated computed tomography imaging method that incorporates tissue classification based on cardiac anatomy. We present this imaging method in the case of a 77-year-old female patient diagnosed with angina pectoris who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. This method may help cardiac surgeons navigate cardiac anatomy more accurately, enhance confidence during surgical exploration of the target vessel, and improve communication with imaging professionals.