Three-Dimensional Reconstruction From Serial Sections For Medical Applications

Three-dimensional display algorithms using computer graphics are evaluated for potential clinical utilization. The authors are utilizing triangular tiles for organ surface reconstruction based on contour information generated from computed tomography (CT), ultrasound examinations, and nuclear medicine examinations. Comparisons have been established among several triangular tiling algorithms which include the number of points required to adequately specify the contours, computer execution time, and the errors in reconstruction. The triangular tiling algorithm provides a means for accurately estimating the volume and surface area of the desired anatomic sites. Examples of studies include brain lesions, computed tomography radiation treatment plans, spleen, and nuclear medicine slant hole camera studies.

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