In an image post-processing method and apparatus for 3D visualization of
2D/3D fused image data for use in catheter angiography in an endovascular
interventional procedure, upon forward movement of a micro-catheter
through blood vessel in the interventional procedure, x-ray images are
acquired from different projection directions and are subjected to a
pattern recognition algorithm for edge-based segmentation of the image
regions filled by the micro-catheter, with all remaining image regions
being masked out. The segmented projection exposures are prepared by a 3D
reconstruction algorithm to obtain an image data set for (pseudo-)
three-dimensional representation of the micro-catheter. This image data
set are intraoperatively registered and fused with an image data set
acquired from an angiographic pre-examination for three-dimensional
visualization of the vessel topography. The reconstructed 3D
representation of the catheter is mixed into the three-dimensionally
prepared representation of endovascular blood vessel sections to be
treated.