Virtual Endoscopy

Abstract

Medical imaging modalities, such as Spiral CT and MR, are capable of supplying high-resolution volumetric data sets. The visualization of those medical data is meant to optimally display information important for the observer. First, a brief overview of current visualization techniques in medicine is given. It starts with simple planar cuts through the volumetric data, called multiplanar reformations, then describes a surface rendering method known as shaded surface displays and finally comes to the maximum intensity projections, an old volume rendering technique.

There are some advantages of virtual endoscopy over the conventional counterpart, which will be discussed. The aim is a non-invasive, more effective examination for both patient and operator.