Expert-model based 3D reconstruction of the beating left ventricle using echographic images

Using a rotating probe combined with an ECG gating technique the authors acquire transthoracic datasets (20 Images per ECG cycle for 9-18 rotations). The aim of this research is the automated left ventricle (LV) reconstruction (3D+t) for later diagnoses. One of the main stages during the reconstruction process is the detection of the moving wall boundaries. Here, the authors propose an approach based on a pre-calculated model of the displacement field of the heart to guide the detection process in combination with active contours. The numerical model obtained during a learning phase can later be used for diagnoses as well