Accurate three-dimensional modeling of blood vessels using computer tomography, intravascular ultrasound, and biplane angiogram images

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a novel method for three-dimensional (3D) blood vessel modeling. Given the incomplete nature of medical images, a 3D blood vessel model that includes the intima and adventitia cannot be reconstructed with a single medical image. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images are used to obtain detailed intimal and adventitial information. Then, X-ray angiogram images are used to calculate the position and orientation of IVUS images. Combining these medical images can generate a 3D blood vessel model. To visualize a blood vessel via IVUS, a catheter that is attached to a miniaturized ultrasound device is inserted into the blood vessel. The insertion of the catheter deforms the blood vessel. This deformation is reflected in the 3D blood vessel model that is developed from combining IVUS and X-ray angiogram images. To address this problem, we propose a novel method for 3D blood vessel modeling using undeformed intimal and adventitial information from IVUS images. Our proposed method has potential applications in hemodynamic analysis.