Automated renderer for visible human and volumetric scan segmentations.

Creating a library of binary segmentation mask sequences for the abdominal anatomy hierarchy of SNOMED and developing a quick, flexible automatic method for generating iso-surface models from these named structure masks has been a primary goal in our research. This paper describes our development of a clear path for computing visualizations of arbitrary groups of organs from these masks (typically generated from Visible Human data). One use of these methods is teaching the anatomy of various organ systems in the human body using virtual reality environments.

Enhancing radiological volumes with symbolic anatomy using image fusion and collaborative virtual reality.

Radiological volumes are typically reviewed by surgeons using cross-sections and iso-surface reconstructions. Applications that combine collaborative stereo volume visualization with symbolic anatomic information and data fusions would expand surgeons' capabilities in interpretation of data and in planning treatment. Such an application has not been seen clinically.

Use of gas-forming agents in esophageal food impactions.

Twenty-six patients were treated with a gas-forming mixture of tartaric acid and sodium bicarbonate to relieve esophageal food impactions. A success rate of 65% was achieved, with one patient suffering a mucosal tear of the esophagus. Recommendations are made to limit the use of such gas-forming agents to impactions less than six hours old and in patients without chest pain.