Evaluating vascular visualization methods for pre-operative planning in the mesentery

Abstract

In this thesis I evaluate and compare a selection of vascular visualization methods with the help of surgeons. Vessel topology is highly varied, and individuals may have extra or "missing" branches, changes in connectivity, or changes in which vessel goes over or beneath another vessel. Visualizing these structures is highly relevant for surgeons preparing for surgery. While direct volume visualization methods can quickly produce accurate but noisy images, indirect volume visualization methods produce clean images at the cost of a laborious and potentially error-prone segmentation process. By comparing the visualizations methods, interviewing and doing task comparisons with surgeons, I investigate the clinical viability, advantages, and disadvantages of these methods.