Obstacle Exclusion from X-Ray CT Angiography Data for 3D Image Diagnosis

A fast and novel technique was developed to exclude obstacle data from a single Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) data set. The data was minimally processed to preserve the majority of the CTA data in its original form, especially the vascular information. The technique was based on a newly developed adaptive composite mask which used multi-step image processing techniques. Excluding a structure like-bone from CTA data can improve several three dimensional (3-D) visualization techniques such as volume rendering, shaded surface display, or maximum intensity projection to better render the vascular data unveiling any aneurysms or calcifications in a clear manner. This enhancement in angiogram visualization is expected to increase the sensitivity of clinical diagnoses. The proposed technique demonstrated obstacle free 3-D vessel visualization in ten different CTA data sets.