Volume Visualization: A Technical Overview with a Focus on Medical Applications

Abstract

With the increasing availability of high-resolution isotropic three-or four-dimensional medical datasets from sources such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and ultrasound, volumetric image visualization techniques have increased in importance. Over the past two decades, a number of new algorithms and improvements have been developed for practical clinical image display. More recently, further efficiencies have been attained by designing and implementing volumerendering algorithms on graphics processing units (GPUs). In this paper, we review volumetric image visualization pipelines, algorithms, and medical applications. We also illustrate our algorithm implementation and evaluation results, and address the advantages and drawbacks of each algorithm in terms of image quality and efficiency. Within the outlined literature review, we have integrated our research results relating to new visualization, classification, enhancement, and multimodal data dynamic rendering. Finally, we illustrate issues related to modern GPU working pipelines, and their applications in volume visualization domain.

Hybrid simulation of brain–skull growth

“…The view point can be changed to let the user focus on any part of the model, in accord with volumetric visualization methods. 15 Any points on the model can be marked and traced during the simulation so that we can produce reports of the evolution of our model across various metrics. We auto-segmented this baby's skull with the threshold algorithm in Amira software, which is a platform for twodimensional (2D) or 3D image data visualization and manipulation.…”

3D Preoperative Planning in the ER with OsiriX®: When There is No Time for Neuronavigation

“…The possibility that we may have an X-ray vision, enabling the neurosurgeon to see and interact with the precise location of the hematoma through a 3D model of the skull, represents a breakthrough that cannot be overlooked or underutilized [36–39]. Furthermore, the incorporation of this technology allows a precision that enables the performance of minimally invasive procedures with similar success rates to established procedures [1,4].…”

A three-dimensional mirror augmented by medical imaging

“…Rendering these volumetric datasets is a critical step for optimal visualization and human comprehension [2]. The outcome must be easily readable by the practitioners while preserving the original data information.…”

“…So far, radiologists have kept performing their diagnosis using 2D images. With the acquisition of more complex multimodal and multiparameter datasets of the inner body, the field of medical volume visualization has undergone significant developments and the door has been opened to real time interactive applications [2] [3]. Associated with tangible interaction or augmented-reality technologies, these developments may provide powerful tools for clinicians to efficiently explore the images of the patient's anatomical and functional body [4] [5].…”