Three‐Dimensional Visualization and Measurement of the Liver and Gallbladder and Their Spatial Orientation

Abstract

The liver and gallbladder are part of the hepatobiliary system and they are common sites for many diseases. The acquisition of understanding of and familiarization with the anatomical relationship of the liver and gallbladder may help medical students and clinicians understand the anatomical relationships and relevant to diagnosing and surgical treatment diseases. In this study, the curvature angle and length of the liver and gallbladder have been measured using two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) measurements. The models were created using semi‐auto combined rendering methods from computed tomography angiography (CTA) images. The visualizations of the liver and gallbladder can be viewed in 360 degrees via stereoscopic presentation in virtual space, and the spatial orientations of these organs can be viewed via zoom free rotation features. Images of xy (transverse), xz(coronal) and yz(sagittal) views were captured to display the models anatomical relationship. The measurement of the models, in turn, are used to compare the size and shape of the liver and gallbladder in 2D and 3D curvature angle and length. These visualization and measurements might have the potential benefits of helping students and clinicians to better understand anatomical knowledge in medical education and clinical training. In addition, these stereoscopic visualizations and measurements might enhance surgeon’s abilities to perform diagnostics and procedures whose successful completion is dependent upon advanced knowledge of the anatomical relationships between the liver and gallbladder.