Comparison of three software programs for three-dimensional graphic imaging as contrasted with operative findings,

OBJECTIVES: Several types of practical three-dimensional (3D) imaging software programs are available, including those attached to computed tomographic devices. Three different software programs (Advantage Workstation Volume Share 4, OsiriX and CTTRY) were used to generate 3D images on the basis of imaging data obtained by 64-slice multidetector-row computed tomography in the same patient. METHODS: Surgery was then performed referring to these 3D images in five patients. The characteristics, advantages, disadvantages and utility in the operative field of the images generated with each software program were compared with respect to actual operative findings. RESULTS: There were no marked differences in vascular images at the segmental level among the software programs, and all three were considered useful for surgery. However, vascular images at the subsegmental level differed among the three programs. CONCLUSIONS: The depiction of blood vessels at the subsegmental level lacked accuracy when compared with operative findings.