Three-dimensional reconstruction of coronary arteries from x-ray projections

The gold standard for diagnostics of coronary artery disease remains x-ray angiography, recently combined with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). The main advantages of this technique are the high spatial and temporal resolution and good image contrast. The way the information is presented to the cardiologist influences the accuracy and objectivity of the diagnosis and impact on treatment. In order to improve the diagnostic accuracy, three-dimensional coronary angiograms appears desirable. In this chapter, we will review the three-dimensional reconstruction methodology and outline the novel three-dimensional reconstruction prototype system for coronary arteries, CORRECT (coronary reconstruction), which requires coronary arteriography taken from different views by a cinefilm sequence using a rotating monoplane X-ray system. In order to determine the exact phase of the heart cycle for each image, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is recorded simultaneously.