CLINICAL-APPLICATIONS OF 3-DIMENSIONAL RENDERING OF MEDICAL DATA SETS

High-resolution imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), combined with advances in compute r technology, have prompted a renewed interest and have led to signifi cant progress in the volumetric reconstruction of medical images. Asse ssment of such techniques for various clinical applications and medica l educational interpretations are currently under investigation by man y medical and scientific groups. The purpose of this paper is to highl ight various clinical applications that show potential for the utiliza tion of volumetric rendering of medical images. Such applications incl ude 1) diagnostics, 2) preoperative planning, 3) intraoperative naviga tion, 4) surgical robotics, 5) postoperative,validation, 6) training, and 7) telesurgery. First, however, we will try to identify the source s of the patients' imaging data, outlining several popular segmentatio n and volumetric rendering techniques. At the conclusion, we will disc uss the necessary requirements to deploy a practical three-dimensional (3-D) software for clinicians. This paper is intended for those who w ould like to obtain a general understanding of the clinical 3-D render ing process and its applications. Here, no effort is made at detailing the various volumetric rendering segmentation, or user interface desi gn techniques, nor is any effort made to review the commercially avail able software. Although some sample publications are listed to illustr ate the various mythologies, no attempt is made at providing a complet e coverage of the literature. Readers desiring more information or fur ther clarification on the subjects below should refer to the cited ref erences as a starting point for their inquires.