Stereoscopic reconstruction of hepatic vessels based on 3D ultrasound power Doppler

We have acquired 3D ultrasound data of hepatic vessels during open surgery. 3D reconstruction of the data was obtained using a position sensor attached to a 2D probe during free-hand translation. In order to simplify perception of complex 3D structures, stereoscopic visualization of power Doppler data was achieved by generating two volume-rendered projections. The projections were displayed on an ordinary CRT screen and in combination with electronic shutter glasses separation of the left and right eye projections was obtained. These initial experiments indicate that stereoscopic visualization of 3D ultrasound angio data may be of importance as a means to localize pathology and organs in relations to each other and in guidance and navigation during a variety of minimally invasive procedures.