Three-dimensional representation software as image enhancement tool in small-bowel capsule endoscopy: a feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional imaging in capsule endoscopy is not currently feasible due to hardware limitations. However, software algorithms that enable three-dimensional reconstruction in capsule endoscopy are available.

METHODS

Feasibility study. A phantom was designed to test the accuracy of three-dimensional reconstruction. Thereafter, 192 small-bowel capsule endoscopy images (of vascular: 50; inflammatory: 73; protruding structures: 69) were reviewed with the aid of a purpose-built three-dimensional reconstruction software. Seven endoscopists rated visualisation improved or non-improved. Subgroup analyses performed for diagnostic category, diagnosis, image surface morphology and colour and SBCE equipment used (PillCam(®) vs. MiroCam(®)).

RESULTS

Overall, phantom experiments showed that the three-dimensional reconstruction software was accurate at 90% of red, 70% of yellow and 45% of white phantom models. Enhanced visualisation for 56% of vascular, 23% of inflammatory and <10% of protruding structures was noted (P=0.007, 0.172 and 0.008, respectively). Furthermore, three-dimensional software application enhanced 53.7% of red, 21.8% of white, 17.3% of red and white, and 9.2% of images of lesions with colour similar to that of the surrounding mucosa, P<0.0001.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of a three-dimensional reconstruction software in capsule endoscopy leads to image enhancement for a significant proportion of vascular, but less so for inflammatory and protruding lesions. Until optics technology allows hardware-enabled three-dimensional reconstruction, it seems a plausible alternative.

Simple technique for fabrication of shielding blocks for total body irradiation at extended treatment distances

Techniques are being standardized in our department for total body irradiation (TBI) with six MV photons in linear accelerator for preconditioning to bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Individualized shields with low melting point alloy are to be fabricated for shielding critical organs such as lungs, kidneys etc. A method to mount diminished dimension of shields in a tray at 3.75m is designed in the department for a teletreatment distance of four meters with magna field with A simulator image taken with the patient's midplane (MP) at one meter distance is used to mark the dimensions of lung, scaled down by a factor of 3.75/4.0. These lung dimensions are reprinted from the digital simulator image for making the shield. The methodology of the technique using digitized minification in radiography is the first of its kind to be used for shield cutting in magna field radiotherapy.