A Visualization System for the Clinical Evaluation of Cerebral Aneurysms from MRA Data

Abstract

This paper details a work-in-progress application under development as part of a clinical visualization project. The software has been designed to meet the specific needs of interventional neuro-radiologists evaluating the suitability of intracranial aneurysms for endovascular coiling and also when planning the procedure. Providing rapid (real-time) interaction with high resolution iso-surfaces derived from Time-of Flight (ToF) Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) data will enable the clinician to quickly assess the ability of the aneurysm to accept a coil, with greater reliability than exisiting, 2D film techniques. Simulating the interface of the C-arm angiography system, used during the procedure, allows the clinician to evaluate various surgical strategies, potentially reducing procedure times and therefore patient radiation dosage. The first release of the software is currently under-going clinical evaluation.