An Approach for Enhanced Slice Visualization utilizing Augmented Reality: Algorithm and Applications

With the introduction of medical scanners, the demand for efficient visualization of scanned data increases. Such visualization is of great importance in many medical applications. In this paper, we first introduce an optimized algorithm for extracting arbitrarily-oriented cross sectional slices from volumetric datasets, which obviously allows for an enhanced view compared to the traditional axis-oriented slice display. This algorithm is then integrated into an augmented reality system that provides enhanced visualization functionalities for the user. Finally, we present a potential application of this system in image-guided surgery by superimposing information, extracted from preand intraoperatively scanned patient data, with the optical image.