BACKGROUND: Middle-ear anatomy is integrally linked to both its normal function and its response to disease processes. Micro-CT imaging provides an opportunity to capture high-resolution anatomical data in a relatively quick and non-destructive manner. However, to optimally extract functionally relevant details, an intuitive means of reconstructing and interacting with these data is needed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A micro-CT scanner was used to obtain high-resolution scans of freshly explanted human temporal bones. An advanced volume renderer was adapted to enable real-time reconstruction, display, and manipulation of these volumetric datasets. A custom-designed user interface provided for semi-automated threshold segmentation. A 6-degrees-of-freedom navigation device was designed and fabricated to enable exploration of the 3D space in a manner intuitive to those comfortable with the use of a surgical microscope. Standard haptic devices were also incorporated to assist in navigation and exploration. RESULTS: Our visualization workstation could be adapted to allow for the effective exploration of middle-ear micro-CT datasets. Functionally significant anatomical details could be recognized and objective data could be extracted. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed an intuitive, rapid, and effective means of exploring otological micro-CT datasets. This system may provide a foundation for additional work based on middle-ear anatomical data. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
BACKGROUND: Middle-ear anatomy is integrally linked to both its normal function and its response to disease processes. Micro-CT imaging provides an opportunity to capture high-resolution anatomical data in a relatively quick and non-destructive manner. However, to optimally extract functionally relevant details, an intuitive means of reconstructing and interacting with these data is needed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A micro-CT scanner was used to obtain high-resolution scans of freshly explanted human temporal bones. An advanced volume renderer was adapted to enable real-time reconstruction, display, and manipulation of these volumetric datasets. A custom-designed user interface provided for semi-automated threshold segmentation. A 6-degrees-of-freedom navigation device was designed and fabricated to enable exploration of the 3D space in a manner intuitive to those comfortable with the use of a surgical microscope. Standard haptic devices were also incorporated to assist in navigation and exploration. RESULTS: Our visualization workstation could be adapted to allow for the effective exploration of middle-ear micro-CT datasets. Functionally significant anatomical details could be recognized and objective data could be extracted. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed an intuitive, rapid, and effective means of exploring otological micro-CT datasets. This system may provide a foundation for additional work based on middle-ear anatomical data. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Authors: M D Seemann; O Seemann; H Bonél; M Suckfüll; K H Englmeier; A Naumann; C M Allen; M F Reiser Journal: Eur Radiol Date: 1999 Impact factor: 5.315
Authors: T Rodt; P Ratiu; H Becker; S Bartling; D F Kacher; M Anderson; F A Jolesz; R Kikinis Journal: Neuroradiology Date: 2002-08-07 Impact factor: 2.804
Authors: E Neri; D Caramella; M Panconi; S Berrettini; S Sellari Franceschini; F Forli; C Bartolozzi Journal: Eur Radiol Date: 2001 Impact factor: 5.315
Authors: Ophir Handzel; Haobing Wang; Jason Fiering; Jeffrey T Borenstein; Mark J Mescher; Erin E Leary Swan; Brian A Murphy; Zhiqiang Chen; Marcello Peppi; William F Sewell; Sharon G Kujawa; Michael J McKenna Journal: Audiol Neurootol Date: 2009-04-15 Impact factor: 1.854