Microcomputer based system for 3D reconstruction, simulation and dynamic animation of the heart

A system for 3-D reconstruction, analysis, simulation and dynamic animation of the heart and the coronary arteries is reported. Using magnetic resonance cross-sectional or ultrasonic and angiographic long-axis imagers of the heart, the endocardial and epicardial contours are traced, interpolated and reconstructed in 3-D. The coronary tree is then superimposed on the 3-D shape using anatomical markers. Graphical capabilities include real-time animation, utilizing wire-frame, solid shading, semitransparent shading and different viewing angles. Simulation of geometrical deformations caused by variations in the arterial flow is achieved by defining the risk area of each coronary vessel, the flow-thickening relationship function and the actual relative flow in the simulated stenosed vessel and using these to simulate local ischemia by varying the dynamic 3-D shape of a normal heart. Assessment of local myocardial function is achieved by calculating local parameters such as thickening or wall motion