Preliminary Analysis of Thorax CT Image Pre-Processing and 3D Modeling of Patients with Pectus Excavatum

Abstract

Pectus excavatum is the most common congenital chest wall deformity. Extensive corrective surgery prior to age 3 may disturb chest wall growth and result in a constricted thorax. We paid particular attention to the role of thoracic spiral computed tomography (CT) image and 3D 1modeling of patient with pectus excavatum. Thoracic spiral CT was always performed on patient who had developed restrictive chest walls following pectus excavatum surgery. These patients then underwent a Nuss operation to elevate the sternum and attempt to correct their restrictive chest wall defects. The method used the CT image to set up 3D modeling reconstruction defined the orientation of the ribs and costal cartilages and their relationship to the sternum, allowing exact preoperative measurement of the bony rib cage and guiding individualized operative correction. It also has laid foundation for simulation of Nuss operative correction of pectus excavatum and has important reference value in selecting and positioning of support frame. As was shown in the result, the accuracy of costal cartilage’s model was promoted in certain extent. Manual work of model modification was significantly reduced and the period of 3D modeling was shortened by approximately 40%. The 3D modeling of spiral CT data is useful in both preoperative and postoperative evaluation.