Three-dimensional reconstruction of coronary arteries based on the integration of intravascular ultrasound and conventional angiography

Background

Coronary three-dimensional reconstruction with the combination of intravascular ultrasound and angiography offers advantages over computed tomography angiography of coronary arteries. The authors aimed to present the pilot phase of the validation of a new model of three-dimensional reconstruction of coronary arteries.

Methods

This study used angiography and intravascular ultrasound examinations already performed by clinical indication in individuals with known or suspected stable coronary artery disease. Image processing, segmentation, and three-dimensional reconstruction were conducted following specific methodology. For geometrical characterization purposes, tridimensional center lines were obtained.

Results

Three vessels were reconstructed: two left anterior descending arteries and one left circumflex artery. The vessel lumen volume and the overall plaque burden could be easily viewed with three-dimensional reconstruction. The geometric characterization revealed increased absolute values of length, tortuosity, curvature, and torsion, featuring a greater complexity of the center line of the diseased lumen relative to the center line of the external elastic membrane.

Conclusions

This new methodology, which integrates conventional angiography and intravascular ultrasound, has increased the practicality of the reconstructions, with a gain in volumetric accuracy of the vessel and overall visualization of key aspects of atherosclerotic disease, such as plaque remodeling and distribution.