| abstract |
A catheter system and method of use thereof to obtain accurate three-dimensional reconstruction of a body vessel. The method employs X-ray angiography (ANG) in combination with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to overcome limitations existing in present three-dimensional reconstruction techniques using a method termed ANGUS. The IVUS data represent a cylindrical stack of cross-sections. A 3-D path of the catheter axis is reconstructed from two X-ray images, after which the stack of IVUS contours is wrapped around this 3-D catheter centerline. In order to establish the correct rotational position of the stack around the centerline, use is made of "landmarks" or catheter features which are visible in angiograms, as well as in a simulation of these angiograms derived from the reconstructed 3-D contour. |