3D Modeling of Hepatic Structures in Hepatology

Some kinds of liver software and services use 3D modeling to analyse CT and MRI images of the liver and create 3D models with all important anatomic aspects and structures. It is used as a liver diagnostic aid to prepare living related liver transplantation and oncologic liver resections, therefore some are addressed as Liver Surgery Planning Systems (LSPS). The main aims of 3D modeling are:

• Visualization of hepatic vessels in order to support the evaluation of vascular abnormalities
• The analysis of the branching structure of vascular structures in order to assess which portions of the liver are affected by the intended resection or transplantation strategy
• To provide facilities for the quantitative analysis of liver tumors and its spatial relation to the surrounding anatomical structures
• Visualization and interaction strategies for virtually resection planning of the liver

3D Liver Surgery Simulation

Today 3D modeling and image analysis is used for many surgical interventions world-wide, especially in the US and Japan, with its focus living donor liver transplant.

One navigation system for laparoscopic liver surgery based on intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) can deliver 3D-US images within 3min, using augmented reality (AR) visualization superimposing three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) images onto captured laparoscopic live images. Magnetic distortion correction can significantly reduce tracking error and in a study all tumour mimics were successfully puncture-guided with navigation.

3D modeling of the liver is as well offered as a service, where CT and MRI data are sent to a central analyzing centre, which calculates a 3D model of the liver. One company has already used this system since 2002 for the treatment of more than 2.500 patients.

3D Liver Surgery Training Tools

Todaycomputer programs are available which help in training of liver surgery and teach internal liver anatomy. Liver surgery planning in 3D in a virtual reality is helping the liver surgeon to train different procedures. It performs a simulation of intra-operative ultrasound. The most important advantage is the possibility to plan and perform any and every surgical procedure on the liver, such as segmental resections and hepatectomies of any kind.

Contact us regarding "3D Modelling of Hepatic Structures in Hepatology"
or call Tilo Stolzke at +49 451 400 83 01 directly.

Studies and publications

• Acad Radiol. 2011 Apr;18(4):461-70. Epub 2011 Jan 8.Hepatic vessel segmentation for 3D planning of liver surgery experimental evaluation of a new fully automatic algorithm.Conversano F, et al.

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