CT virtual intravascular endoscopy in aortic stent grafting

Virtual endoscopy is a new method of medical image data visualisation using computer processing of 3D image datasets. It can provide visualisations of specific organs similar or equivalent to those produced by standard endoscopic procedures. By acquiring volumetric computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) data after contrast enhancement in a single breath hold, it is possible to render 3D images of vascular structures that simulate images obtained from conventional endoscopy. Most of the clinical applications of virtual endoscopy are in the areas of virtual bronchoscopy or colonoscopy, and only a few reports deal with aortic diseases. Moreover, the clinical value of virtual endovascular endoscopy in aortic aneurysm and stent grafting has not been investigated. In this paper, we report our work on the generation of virtual intravascular endoscopic images of abdominal aorta and aortic stents; investigation of optimal scanning protocols of CT scanning in aortic stent grafting, which was performed in a cohort of patients.