Visualization of Stereoscopic Model of the Liver and Gallbladder from Clinical Perspective

Abstract

The hepatobiliary system is the most common site for many diseases, and anatomy of this region could be complicated. Laparoscopy surgery has now become the preferred option for cholecystectomy and many other gastrointestinal conditions. These procedures require advanced laparoscopic techniques and anatomical knowledge of the region. Understanding and familiarizing with the anatomical relationship of the liver and gallbladder will help clinicians in the evaluation and management of such diseases as gallbladder stones, bile duct stones, pancreatic duct stones, and liver cancers, etc. The development of 3D stereoscopic models usually requires the acquisition and conversion of voxel‐based CT or MRI data into 3D models. It has been reported recently that the computed tomography angiography (CTA) was used to create vascular models using volume rendering, and surface rendering for educational purpose. CTA images have been extensively used for vasculature anatomy, detection and evaluation of intracranial aneurysms, and diagnosis of ischemic stroke, however, the CTA data has not been well explored for creating a hepatobiliary and pancreatic stereoscopic virtual model in contemporary anatomy education. In this study, we utilize CTA data to develop a stereoscopic liver, gallbladder and pancreas model using the semi‐auto combined rendering in addition to the volume and surface rendering methods. The visualization of the liver, associated with other organs and their relationship can be viewed via the stereoscopic presentation. The two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D measurements can be applied to measure the length, angle, and volume of the liver. The stereoscopic visualization and comparison of the measurement might have potential benefit for helping students and clinicians to better understand anatomy knowledge in medical education and clinical training. The stereoscopic view of surgical field might as well enhance the surgeon’s dexterity.