Volume rendering technique

For presenting the results of the 3D-CT measurements the software tool 3D-CTViewer [12] was designed and developed under the visualization developer language IDL [13]. In this package both typical methods for 3D-visualization, the surface and the volume rendering technique [14], are implemented. 

Alternatively, 3D images of MR angiographies can be calculated using volume rendering techniques (VRT) or shaded surface display (SSD). Both methods, however, depend on threshold values and therefore they carry the risk of unwanted manipulation. They are less suitable for the depiction of stenoses and are commonly used for aneurysms and other vascular malformations. 

Tomandl et al. (2000) applied the same acquisition protocol and used a volume-rendered technique to reconstruct the labyrinth with excellent results in terms of anatomical definition of labyrinthine components. 

Fig. 15.8. Volume-rendering technique of peripheral run-off study post-processed in standardized fashion with AP, PA, LAO and RAO views. The arteries are always well-displayed in their superficial course. Maximum intensity projections are well-suited for demonstrating the course of the arteries after segmentation of the hones. However, this technique is time-consuming and does not always deliver consistently high image quality...

Biliary tract examinations using rapid 3D volumetric techniques can be performed with both multidetector CT and MR cholangiography. Integration between volumetric acquisition and 3D surface and volume-rendering techniques permits the study of the biliary tract in a noninvasive way. 

Virtual simulation of fiber optic endoscopy can be obtained with a new software tool based on surface or volume rendering techniques, called virtual cholangioscopy when specifically applied to the study of the biliary system (Dubno et al. 1998 Neri et al. 1999a-c Prassopoulos et al. 1998). 

Three volume rendering techniques (unshaded bone, shaded bone and shaded opaque bone) can help reveal both surface and internal detail and can be used for a better understanding of the volume rendered images ... 

Maximum intensity projections or volume rendering techniques may be helpful to show the location of a coronary stent (Fig. 17.2). For the clinical evaluation of the coronary artery stent lumen, multiplanar reformations (MPR) of the data volume are needed. MPR are obtained in at least two orientations, longitudinal and perpendicular to the stent axis, to properly assess for the presence and, if positive, the degree of a stenosis. 

Volume-rendering technique (VRT) Unlike MIPs, VRTs contain information about the complete depth of the volume. They result in a better 3D overview of anatomic structures by partially semitransparent visualization of structures with different densities. Thus, several anatomic structures can be examined at the same time (Tengg-Kobligk et al. 2007). 

Edwards AJ, Wells IP, Roobottom CA (2005) Multidetector row CT angiography of the lower limb arteries a prospective comparison of volume-rendered techniques and intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography. Clin Radiol... 

Hsieh TJ, Yang YS (2011) Visualizing the seismic spectral response of the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake using volume rendering technique. J Comput Civil Eng-ASCE 26 225-235... 

Multi-phasic multidetector CT allows, in a single examination, a comprehensive evaluation of potential liver donors and of graft recipients. 3D-CTA with maximum intensity projection, multiplanar reconstructions, shaded surface display, and volume rendering techniques has become a strong competitor for DSA. The new development of multislice CT (MSCT) allows scan times fast enough to image the liver during a pure arterial phase of contrast opacification. This offers the possibility of 3D CTA for a variety of clinical applications. 

Brancatelli G, Katyal S, Federle MP et al (2002) Three-dimensional multislice helical computed tomography with the volume rendering technique in the detection of vascular complications after liver transplantation. Transplantation 27 73(2) 237-242... 

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