Abstract: Apparatus for performing an imaging procedure comprising processing volumetric image data comprising an image processing unit configured to obtain first image data representative of a region including at least one vessel and at least one associated feature, and second image data representative of at least part of the region, an image refinement unit configured to process the first image data and the second image data to produce a combined image representative of the at least one vessel, wherein the associated feature is removed or reduced in intensity in the combined image, and a rendering unit configured to render the combined image as a simulated view that simulates a view obtainable from an alternative imaging procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a motion-corrected time series of image data sets, comprises an image selection unit for obtaining a series of sets of image data, each set of image data representative of a region at a different time, and for automatically determining a sub-region of interest, and a registration unit that is configured to, for each of a plurality of sets of image data in the series, perform a registration, for the sub-region of interest, to register one of a reference data set of the series and the set of image data to the other of that reference data set and the set of image data.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing an imaging procedure comprising processing volumetric image data comprising an image processing unit configured to obtain first image data representative of a region including at least one vessel and at least one associated feature, and second image data representative of at least part of the region, an image refinement unit configured to process the first image data and the second image data to produce a combined image representative of the at least one vessel, wherein the associated feature is removed or reduced in intensity in the combined image, and a rendering unit configured to render the combined image as a simulated view that simulates a view obtainable from an alternative imaging procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a motion-corrected time series of image data sets, comprises an image selection unit for obtaining a series of sets of image data, each set of image data representative of a region at a different time, and for automatically determining a sub-region of interest, and a registration unit that is configured to, for each of a plurality of sets of image data in the series, perform a registration, for the sub-region of interest, to register one of a reference data set of the series and the set of image data to the other of that reference data set and the set of image data.

Abstract: Volume rendering of images of four dimensional (4D) heart image data, in particular cardiac CT data by slab multiplanar reformatting (MPR), is improved by providing an automated method and apparatus for determining and locking onto anatomically relevant viewing parameters. In particular the view plane, view axis and view orientation are changed from frame to frame in the movie so they remain fixed to an anatomical feature of interest, thereby providing a stable movie of the heart feature of interest. Provision of a dynamic view plane compensates not only for translational motion of the heart feature of interest, but also for its tilting and twisting. Tilting effects are highly significant when viewing heart valves, since the valve plane exhibits varying angles of tilt through the heart phases as a result of the generally tubular arteries and veins exhibiting a bending motion.

Abstract: Volume rendering of images of four dimensional (4D) heart image data, in particular cardiac CT data by slab multiplanar reformatting (MPR), is improved by providing an automated method and apparatus for determining and locking onto anatomically relevant viewing parameters. In particular the view plane, view axis and view orientation are changed from frame to frame in the movie so they remain fixed to an anatomical feature of interest, thereby providing a stable movie of the heart feature of interest. Provision of a dynamic view plane compensates not only for translational motion of the heart feature of interest, but also for its tilting and twisting. Tilting effects are highly significant when viewing heart valves, since the valve plane exhibits varying angles of tilt through the heart phases as a result of the generally tubular arteries and veins exhibiting a bending motion.