Advanced computed tomography imaging, workstations, and planning tools

Multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) has now replaced the old "gold standard" intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for assessing abdominal, thoracic, and cranial vasculature. MDCT raw data is captured in two-dimensional transverse sections; therefore to generate an angiographic display, a 3D workstation is required. To depict vascular anatomy on the workstation, specific anatomic projections must be created using one or more of the visualization techniques. The image projections must display the vascular region of interest in the correct viewing planes without being obscured by other vascular territories or non-cardiovascular structures. Furthermore, the resultant images must be rendered with the correct window, level, and lighting settings to accurately depict normal anatomy and pathology. The volumetric data acquired enable the acquisition of views from any angle and perspective.