Optimum angiographic visualization of coronary segments using computer-aided 3D-reconstruction from biplane views

Using a biplane multidirectional isocentric X-ray system, a computer-aided simulation procedure was developed to calculate the 3D structure of the coronary arteries. The algorithm uses the geometry of the biplane X-ray system and the alignments of corresponding points of the coronary arteries in two X-ray images acquired under different viewing angles. The identification of the corresponding points is greatly simplified by the calculation and display of the intersection lines of the confocal plane with the image intensifier entrances on the computer monitor. To minimize the total number of necessary corresponding points we used Bézier curves to match the courses of the coronary segments between neighboring corresponding points. The projection of the calculated 3D structure was found to be in very good agreement with the 2D course of the coronary arteries in the angiograms. The 3D structure can be viewed on the computer screen under any desired simulated projection angle within the geometrical limitation of the X-ray gantries. The user can select views on the computer monitor with orthogonal projection angles and minimal overlapping problems caused by under- and overlying structures. The method was applied in 10 cases of elective angioplasty. Previously taken diagnostic angiograms were used to reconstruct the arterial structure and to select favorable views for the forthcoming intervention.