A methodology and a software tool for 3D reconstruction of coronary and carotid arteries and atherosclerotic plaques

In this work we present a methodology and a software tool for 3D artery reconstruction from Computed Tomography (CT) images. The methodology can be applied in both coronary and carotid CT DICOM images and produces the 3D model of the corresponding arterial segments, along with the 3D models of the calcified plaques. More specifically, algorithms for CT artery identification, vessel segmentation, object extraction and 3d models creation are implemented. The algorithms are integrated in a tool for accurate and semiautomated reconstruction of coronary and carotid arteries. The methodology developed and the steps to use the software tool are presented in detail in this paper.