Three dimensional reconstruction of intracoronary ultrasound images: roadmapping with simultaneously digitised coronary angiograms

Three dimensional reconstruction of intracoronary ultrasound images offers a better appreciation of the axial relationship of vessel features and permits volumetric assessment, both of which depend critically on the spatial accuracy of the technique. This in turn is dependent on precise longitudinal orientation of the transducer in the vessel. The authors have developed a system which utilises simultaneously digitised fluoroscopic tracking of the radio-opaque transducer to orient the corresponding 2D ICUS images. This system may offer improved spatial accuracy of the three dimensional reconstruction and a means of precise identification of the 2D ICUS image which corresponds with a selected point of interest on the angiogram