Computer-aided apparatus and method for preoperatively assessing anatomical fit of a cardiac assist device within a chest cavity

摘要

A computerized modeling tool that is used to form displayable images, which allow a user to assess the fit of a cardiac assist device within a prospective surgical patient's chest cavity. The computerized modeling tool includes a processing device that receives (i) a plurality of two-dimensional cross sectional digitized images representative of the prospective patient's chest cavity, and (ii) at least one data file representative of a three-dimensional model of the exterior of the cardiac assist device. The processing device processes this information to form a first composite displayable image of the cardiac assist device positioned within the chest cavity with selected anatomical segments displayed in uniquely associated colors presented on a display, to allow a user to view the displayable image to assess possible positions of the cardiac assist device within the chest cavity. The present invention allows a user to accurately assess whether or not a cardiac assist device properly fits within the chest cavity of the candidate