Higgins WE, Ramaswamy K, Swift RD, McLennan G, Hoffman EA
Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
16802, USA.
Title
Virtual bronchoscopy for three--dimensional pulmonary image
assessment: state of the art and future needs.
Source
Radiographics 1998 May-Jun;18(3):761-78
Abstract
Virtual bronchoscopy is emerging as a useful approach for assessment of
three-dimensional (3D) computed tomographic (CT) pulmonary images. A protocol for
virtual bronchoscopic assessment of a 3D CT pulmonary image would have two main
stages: (a) preprocessing of image data, which involves extracting objects of interest,
defining paths through major airways, and preparing the extracted objects for 3D
rendering; and (b) interactive image assessment, which involves use of graphics-based
software tools such as surface-rendered views, projection images, virtual endoscopic views,
tube views, oblique section images, measurement data, global two-dimensional section
images, and cross-sectional views. Although a virtual bronchoscope offers a unique
opportunity for exploration and quantitation, it cannot replace a real bronchoscope.
Limitations of current virtual endoscopy systems include high cost, lack of visual aids
beyond simulated endoscopic views, difficulty in performing interactive anatomic
exploration, lack of quantitative information, use of surface rendering instead of volume
rendering, and need for substantial off-line display computation. Future needs include
development of fully integrated user-friendly virtual bronchoscopes, development of
optimal CT protocols for generating artifact-free data sets, and improvements in
automated preprocessing of 3D CT images.