Modeling and visualization techniques for virtual stenting of aneurysms and stenoses

In this work, we present modeling and visualization techniques for virtual stenting of aneurysms and stenoses. In particular, contributions to support the computer-aided treatment of artery diseases - artery enlargement (aneurysm) and artery contraction (stenosis) - are made. If an intervention takes place, there are two different treatment alternatives for this kind of artery diseases: open surgery and minimally invasive (endovascular) treatment. Computer-assisted optimization of endovascular treatments is the main focus of our work. In addition to stent simulation techniques, we also present a computer-aided simulation of endoluminal catheters to support the therapy-planning phase. The stent simulation is based on a three-dimensional Active Contour Method and is applicable to both non-bifurcated (I-stents) and bifurcated stents (Y-stents). All methods are introduced in detail and are evaluated with phantom datasets as well as with real patient data from the clinical routine. Additionally, the clinical prototype that is based upon these methods is described. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.