Colon straightening based on elastic mechanics model

Early detection and removal of polyps can reduce mortality due to colon cancers. In CT colonography, colon straightening can facilitate visualization and detection of polyps. We presented a new method to straighten the colon based on an elastic deformation model with specially designated boundary conditions and centerline constraints. With a digitally generated phantom it was demonstrated that the elastic deformation model can straighten the colon in a consistent manner (i.e., to preserve the relative spatial relationships of points on the colon surface, such as left vs. right, up vs. down) and can handle large-angle bendings in colon geometry. It was observed that the proposed model may impose relatively small distortion effects on structures on the colon surface after straightening. Further research was mentioned.