MPMN: April 1997

3-D Visualization Applied to New Treatment for Aortic Aneurysms

Reduces the time between diagnosis and surgery

Unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a serious cardiovascular condition that afflicts nearly 1.5 million people in the United States. If left untreated, this localized expansion of the aorta can rupture, usually causing death. If an AAA is discovered, elective open-surgery repair averages a morbidity rate of 15 to 40%.

EndoVascular Technologies Inc. (EVT; Menlo Park, CA) has developed the Endovascular Grafting System (EGS) which may revolutionize how AAAs are treated. It is a less-invasive, less-costly alternative to open vascular surgery, and it should result in lower mortality, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and quicker patient recoveries. Requiring only a small groin incision, the procedure involves transporting EVT's proprietary EndoGraft prosthesis to the aneurysm site in a delivery catheter. The prosthesis is implanted across the AAA--isolating it from blood flow and pressurization--thus preventing aneurysm expansion and minimizing the potential for rupture.

Engineering Animation Inc. (EAI; Ames, IA) developed software used as a 3-D visualization and diagnostic tool to guide the use of the EGS. "EAI's software significantly reduces the time from diagnosis to endovascular repair, providing expedited care for critical patients in need of immediate attention," says Jim Fitzsimmons, president and CEO at EVT. "In addition, the software produces a computer-generated 3-D model of the patient's internal anatomy, where aortic conditions can be better assessed and examined prior to treatment."

The software enhances the process of evaluating a patient's eligibility for the procedure by automatically calculating key aortic measurements used to determine the correct type and size of the graft he or she needs. Doctors then verify these measurements. This procedure is quicker and less tedious than previous methods of measuring and calculating the data by hand.

Advanced visualization technologies allow doctors to "fly through" a patient's aortic anatomy on the computer. Generated from the actual data, these realistic models provide a virtual environment where doctors can determine a patient's condition without performing invasive procedures. The internal anatomy is automatically segmented by the computer, enabling doctors to identify structures and distinguish between pathology and healthy tissue. "The computer images on the screen are just like opening up a patient and looking at his or her anatomy," says Fitzsimmons.

EAI specializes in applying 3-D visualization technology to three interrelated product lines: 3-D visualization software, interactive multimedia, and custom animation.

"EAI's experience using 3-D visualization tools in sophisticated manufacturing as well as scientific applications complements EVT's mission to advance this alternative to open vascular surgery," says Fitzsimmons. "Software like this helps transform medical research into real-world medical applications."