ColoViz - A Virtual Colonoscopy Prototype System

Virtual colonoscopy is a new diagnostic method, and is a less painful and cheaper alternative to the present procedures for diagnosing colorectal cancer. In recent years, most of the technical challenges of the new method have been eliminated, but the 3D navigation interfaces are inadequate. This thesis presents a 3D navigation system based on a novel metaphor for camera control. The proposed navigation system enables the user to quickly inspect all areas on the interior surface of the virtual colon model. The navigation system relies on prior segmentation of the colon from the data sets, and algorithms which find a suitable centerline through the segmented colon. Therefore, algorithms are designed and implemented to achieve these prerequisites. All algorithms were implemented in a prototype system, which is capable of demonstrating the features of virtual colonoscopy.mark. The master thesis concludes a specialization in Medical Informatics, and the project period started on February 2 nd 2004 and the final thesis was handed in on June 3 rd 2004. The report is divided into three parts, dealing with analysis, design and implementation , respectively. References to literature are simply represented by square brackets with a number referring to an entry in the bibliography. The work documented in this thesis could not have been achieved without the invaluable help of a number of people. First of all, I owe thanks to my supervisor Pia Britt Elberg for her ability to motivate me, and for always having a keen eye for possibilities in the project. Without her support and constructive criticism, the thesis would have looked vastly different. I am grateful towards radiologist Henrik Gregersen from Aalborg Hospital for spending time on an interview, and for sharing anatomical knowledge. Radiologist Eva Fallentin from Glostrup Hospital also kindly spent time discussing desired func-tionality and additionally supplied the data sets used in the project. From Medical Insight, I would like to thank developer Jesper Bojesen for support regarding technical questions, and my primary contact Niels Husted Kjaer for inspiration throughout the project period. Also, Niels deserves a final thanks for initiating the project by contacting the university almost a year ago. Even though no more work will be performed in this thesis after the final exam, development of the system does not cease here. My efforts will continue with Medical Insight to further develop the ideas presented here, in order to become the first Danish supplier of an …