Spatio-temporal localization of intravascular ultrasound data for accurate 3D reconstruction of coronary arteries

Three dimensional (3D) reconstruction of coronary arteries from intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) typically assumes that the artery is straight and disregards the angular orientation of IVUS slices. Accurate 3D reconstruction requires that each IVUS slice be carefully localized in time and space. We have developed a technique combining biplane angiography and IVUS imaging that solves for 1) inter-slice distance, 2) the 3D location, and 3) the angular orientation of each slice. This also eliminates the need for assisted NUS pullback and produces an accurate reconstruction, making the procedure more suitable for clinical use. Accuracy of the technique was checked by a self-validation scheme that involved: 1) reconstructing a specimen from independent pairs of x-ray projection planes, and 2) creating simulated angiograms by back-projecting 3D reconstructions. A good match (up to 71% of area overlap with an average of 58%) was obtained between simulated and actual angiograms.