An Interactive Holographic Environment for Visualization of Heart Structure and Activity

Abstract

Traditionally, demonstrations of human anatomy are commonly used for analysis, study, and learning of the internal structures of the human body. However, visualization and simulation techniques of human organs are frequently explored. Through these techniques, is possible to observe and analyze hidden details of the human anatomy, that is fundamental for the aid of the medical diagnosis process, clinical treatments, analysis, study and learning of the internal structures of the human body. The reconstruction of three-dimensional high definition models using medical imaging has proven to be a great technique to optimize the process. With this aim, this work proposes the use of a holographic environment for the interactive visualization of a three-dimensional heart generated from a real Coronary Tomography (CT). For that, Augmented Reality and Information Visualization techniques were used to simulate and interact with the virtual heart through Microsoft HoloLens. In addition, a heart rate sensor has been developed, to monitor, in real time, the functioning of the heart, according to the heart rate of the user. The results demonstrate that it is possible to simulate the activity of a heart and to visualize more details of the anatomy and functioning of the organ through this holographic environment. As future work, it is intended to capture more important information based on CT scans and extend the project's scope to include other organs.