Simulation of interventional neuroradiology procedures

摘要

We describe the design and development of a computer environment for planning interventional neuroradiology procedures. The Neuroradiology Catheterization Simulator called NeuroCath is intended for interventional procedures involving vascular malformations, such as aneurysms, stenosis, and AVMs. NeuroCath include extraction and construction of a vascular model from different imaging modalities that represents the anatomy of patient in a computationally efficient manner, and a FEM-based physical model that simulates the behavior between the devices and cerebral vasculature. This model comprises topology, geometry (normal and pathological), and physical properties of the patient-specific vasculature. It also provides a reliable measurement of distance and volume allowing calculation of the size of vessels and aneurysms. A realistic visual interface with multiple, synchronized windows is developed. The visual interface comprises of fluoroscopic display that duplicates the views to be seen in actual intentional procedures, and other displays that enhance interpretation of the anatomy of patient. The hybrid volume and surface renderer provides insight into inferior and exterior of patient's vasculature. NeuroCath is also provided with the haptic apparatus that gives the interventional neuroradiologist the sense of touch during intervention planning and training. In order to achieve wide spread usage, NeuroCath is designed to run on a PC with a 3D graphics acceleration board. NeuroCath has several advantages. The 3D display and real-time manipulation of data, vascular model, and devices saves time and cost, and also reduces the invasiveness of the procedures by lowering contrast agent injection and amount of x-ray radiation from fluoroscopy, X-ray rotational angiography, and/or interventional CT.