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 Coronary
Imaging |
| 3D Coronary Imaging |
| By AG Xiaoyan Chen |
Because the coronary angiography
reflects a 2D image on beating heart, an actual
image and reflected image on display are not exactly
the same. As a result, this diagnostic tool has
a limitation on accuracy. Visual assessment of 2D
image is also considered not to represent 3D geometry.
Therefore, results measured by coronary angiograph
often cause an inappropriate device selection (especially
the length of stent), which eventually associates
additional stent placements as well as incremental
procedural time and cost.
Taking an accurate 3D image and leading proper diagnosis
are crucial in the current DES era. Dr. Chen introduced
the latest two 3D images of the coronary angiography.
First technology is called CardiOp Basic system
that was invented by Paieon Medical. With CardiOp
Basic, two to three angiographic images obtained
from standard angiography are convertedinto a comprehensive,
interactive 3-D image that contains all relevant
information on lumen morphology. Accurate quantitative
measures are presented. Measurements are mere precise
than those based on 2-D, as they are based on comprehensive
data that would only be available from countless
2-D views.
This system does not only offer cross-sectional
data (such as the accurate length of lesion and
the degree of stenosis), but it also provides information
on stenosis (such as the minimum lumen diameter
and reference diameter). These easy and online imaging
resolutions allow the operator to receive an accurate
image on real-time basis Today, CarioOp Basic system,
by the collaboration with Simens and Paieon Medical,
is under investigation on certain applications in
major centers in Europe, the United States, and
Japan.
Another strategy to take a 3D image of coronary
artery is called the 3D rotational coronary angiography.
With this technique, a C-arm rotates around 220
degree for five seconds. A 2D image taken from the
220 degree is constructed 3D image during the rotation
of image.
This system is also under the development. Further
research is required for this system to be sued
in clinical practice. Technological advancement
of the coronary angiography is on the way. Today,
those who manufacture hardware and those who develop
software work together to innovate new technologies. |
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