Three-dimensional reconstruction of urogenital tract from Visible Korean Human.

The three-dimensional (3D) modeling from anatomical images is revealed to be a remarkable learning tool in anatomy. This is particularly true for the pelvis area and the urogenital tract. The authors present here a 3D reconstruction of the male urogenital tract from the Visible Korean Human data. The segmentation of 440 anatomical images was arranged in a pile and processed by the SURFdriver software to build an interactive 3D model. Forty-two anatomical structures were reconstructed, including kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder (outer and inner boundaries), urethra, testes, epididymides, ducti deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, rectum, anal canal, abdominal aorta, superior mesenteric artery, renal arteries, inferior vena cava, renal veins, lumbar vertebrae, intervertebral discs, sacrum, hip bones, femurs, and skin. Three-dimensional models of 42 anatomical structures can be individually and interactively manipulated. In addition, the use is able to control the transparency of the model. The aim of this computerized modeling is to present a learning tool for students and patients. In the near future, it could be the basis of new simulation tools for surgeon's training.