Wahle A, Prause GPM, DeJong SC, Sonka M:


3-D Fusion of Biplane Angiography and Intravascular Ultrasound for Accurate Visualization and Volumetry.

MICCAI '98, in:

Wells WM, Colchester A, Delp S (eds):

Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention (MICCAI '98).

First International Conference, Boston MA, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Springer

Volume 1496, Page 146-155, 1998

Detailed description of the fusion system, except the absolute orientation problem (Journal) (Paper) (Poster) (Links)

Abstract: Coronary angiography delivers accurate information about the vessel topology and shape, but only limited data concerning the vessel cross-section. Intravascular ultrasound provides detailed information about the cross-sectional shape as well as the composition of vessel wall and plaque, but fails to consider the geometric relationships between adjacent images. In this paper, we present a new approach for combination of both methods to allow accurate assessment of coronary arteries regarding both longitudinal and cross-sectional dimensions.

Despite the fact that the manual pullback cannot be assumed to be of constant speed, the matching algorithms showed a very good accuracy. However, the use of an automatic pullback device is strongly recommended. Possible sources of the errors in the frame orientations, aside the manual pullback, were found in systematic torsions within the catheter system. These effects may be avoided or at least reduced by using solid-state catheter systems with no rotating parts. In conclusion, our system provides high accuracy in 3-D reconstruction of the vessel topology, and a spatially correct assignment of plaque and wall data as delivered by the IVUS segmentation.