Comparisons between the 3D imaging of feeding arteries of extrahepatic bile duct in vivo and the traditional anatomical images

Abstract

Objective To compare and evaluate the 3D images of supplying arteries on extrahepatic bile duct in vivo with traditional anatomic images. Methods Retrospective studies were performed on 10 cases of extrahepatic bile duct obstruction who enrolled in hepatobiliary surgery of Zhujiang hospital of Southern Medical University from January to December during 2012. The abdominal submillimeter CTA data of 10 patients were imported into MI-3DVS and the 3D models of the extrahepatic bile duct and its supplying arteries were programmatically constructed. Then they were compared with the traditional anatomical images. Results 3D images of feeding arteries on extrahepatic bile ducts were authentic with a spatial view of the whole structure and their relations with the surrounding tissue. The traditional anatomic images with unitary expression could only show two-dimensional anatomical structure, but it could clearly show the peribiliary blood plexus which cannot be shown in 3D images with the method of specimen perfusion observed under the microscope. Conclusions 3D image was authentic and intuitive which can restore the prototype of organs and tissues and provide a better way of anatomy learning. It can also serve as a new method for anatomy research as well as guidance for individual biliary tract surgery. However, it can not replace the traditional anatomic images completely. Key words: Tomography, spiral computed; Imaging, three-dimensional reconstruction; Extrahepatic bile duct; Feeding arteries; Anatomy