Quantitative analysis of 3D coronary modeling in 3D rotational X-ray imaging

This paper describes the analysis of the accuracy of modeling approaches to coronary reconstruction based on two or more projections in a calibrated X-ray C-arm system. The results of the study give insight into the quantitative accuracy of the calculated 3D centerline points and the 3D cross sectional areas of reconstructed objects as a function of the angular distance and the total number of calibrated projections involved. A confidence region (alpha(0) approximate to 30degrees - 145degrees) for the angular relation of the involved projections was determined, for which the presented modeling technique is capable of providing nearly geometrically exact 3D centerline position of the coronary arteries. The method for the generation of such an angular confidence region can be adapted to any calibrated angiographic mono- plane C-arm system. Within this angular region, we are able to reconstruct, different branches of the same coronary tree by identifying their corresponding 2D centerlines and vessel lumen in different 2D projections. The measurements in this work are based on the analysis of calibrated phantom and calibrated cardiovascular 2D projection data.