During the early part of their training, most physicians and technologists
have some difficulty in extrapolating the three dimensions of the coronary
artery tree by observing only a two-dimensional x-ray image. This problem
is compounded when one is challenged by a third dimension that is constantly
changed by varying angulation of the image intensifier and camera as it
is moved along the RAO/LAO and cranial/caudal planes.
However,
the job becomes a little easier if one understands and envisions the
third dimension of the coronary arteries as they move away or towards
the camera. To facilitate this concept, we have developed the animation
on the bottom left. Notice how a cartoon rendition of the left coronary
artery is morphed into a picture of the heart and then blends into
a still image of a coronary arteriogram.
The graphic on the right (below) shows the position of the
image intensifier and camera in the antero-posterior or AP projection.
The animation on the left (below) shows a cartoon of the left coronary
artery morphing into a left coronary angiogram in the AP view. |
