ACCURATE 3-DIMENSIONAL RECONSTRUCTION OF INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND DATA - SPATIALLY CORRECT 3-DIMENSIONAL RECONSTRUCTIONS

Background The geometrical accuracy of conventional three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction methods for intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) data ( coronary and peripheral) is hampered by the inability to register spat ial image orientation and by respiratory and cardiac motion. The objec tive of this work was the development of improved IVUS reconstruction techniques. Methods and Results We developed a 3D position registratio n method that identifies the spatial coordinates of an in situ IVUS ca theter by use of simultaneous EGG-gated biplane digital cinefluoroscop y; To minimize distortion, coordinates underwent pincushion correction and were referenced to a standardized calibration cube. Gated IVUS da ta were acquired digitally, and the spatial locations of the imaging p lanes were matched to their corresponding coordinates. Image points we re then transformed relative to their respective 3D coordinates, rende red in binary voxel format, resliced, and displayed on an image-proces sing workstation for off-line analysis. The method was tested by use o f phantoms (straight tube, 360 degrees circle, 240 degrees spiral) and an in vitro coronary artery model. In vivo feasibility was assessed i n patients who underwent routine interventional coronary procedures ac companied by IVUS evaluation. Actual versus calculated point locations were within 1.0+/-0.3 mm of each other (n=39). Calculated phantom vol umes were within 4% of actual volumes. Phantom 3D reconstruction appro priately demonstrated complex morphology. Initial patient evaluation d emonstrated method feasibility as well as errors if respiratory and EC G gating were not used. Conclusions These preliminary data support the use of this new method of 3D reconstruction of vascular structures wi th use of combined vascular ultrasound data and simultaneous EGG-gated biplane cinefluoroscopy.