Anaglyph stereo virtual dissection: a novel inexpensive method for stereoscopic visualisation of intracardiac anatomy on CT angiogram.

Abstract

Three-dimensional visualisation is invaluable for evaluating cardiac anatomy. Patient-specific three-dimensional printed models of the heart are useful but require significant infrastructure. The three-dimensional virtual models, derived from 3D echocardiography, computed tomographic (CT) angiography or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), permit excellent visualisation of intracardiac anatomy, but viewing on a two-dimensional screen obscures the third dimension. Various forms of extended reality, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, augment the third dimension but only using expensive equipment. Herein, we report a simple technique of anaglyph stereoscopic visualisation of three-dimensional virtual cardiac models. The feasibility of achieving stereovision on a personal computer, using open-source software, and the need for inexpensive anaglyph glasses for viewing make it extremely cost-effective. Further, the retained depth perception of resulting stereo images in electronic and printed format makes sharing with other members of the team easy and effective.