Author(s)

Q. Long, X.Y. Xu & M.W. Collins

Abstract

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can produce a series of parallel 2D cross-sectional images of an arterial vessel. Based on these images, the three- dimensional structure of such a vessel can be obtained by image processing techniques. In this paper, a novel image processing and three-dimensional reconstruction approach is presented which permits the recreation of the aortic bifurcation from magnetic resonance angiograms. The reconstruc- tion output not only provides 3D visualisation of the bifurcation structure, but also serves as an interface for further quantitative analysis of the fluid dynamics in the model. 1 Introduction Although it is now recognised that specific patterns of local blood flow predispose to the development of atheroma, the mechanisms underlying this important determin

Keywords