3-D visualization of arterial structures: tissue differentiation techniques

We have previously described a method for the 3-D visualisation of arterial structures using the voxel space approach to three-dimensional solid modelling. The system we use for intra-arterial imaging, in vitro and in vivo, is based on ultrasonic data, acquired with a purpose-built, catheter-mounted ultrasound probe. In this paper, we describe the methods employed for the reconstruction of 3-D models from these 2-D ultrasonic data and present preliminary work on tissue differentiation, using arterial models and colour-coding of the image.