Three-dimensional reconstruction of implanted aortic stents using computed tomography

Patients with infrarenal atherosclerotic obstructions were examined by spiral-CT before and after stent implantation. This CT data was segmented and the vessel structures as well as the stent were reconstructed. The visualization using the AVS software allows a fast and comfortable manipulation and display of the calculated 3D objects. Even the integration of the original CT data and animations are possible. These 3D reconstructions enable the accurate assessment of the vessel and stent geometry, the stent location relative to stenosis, dissection, plaque or calcification and help to identify potential stent displacements. Thus, spiral-CT has become a comparative and competitive modality to conventional angiography in the pre-interventional planning and control of stent placement.