OBJECTIVETo investigate the methodology of mimic resection system on liver.

METHODSHepatic arteries, portal vein, inferior cava vein, hepatic veins and biliary ducts of liver with integrate hepatic portal were perfused with filling materials in different colors. And then the sample was embedded, frozen and slice-cut to obtain serial sectional images. After image registration and segmentation, the 3D reconstruction model which contained the liver's surface and its internal structures was constructed with MIMICS 9.0. Based on the freeform modeling system and its accessories (the software GHOST and the force-feedback equipment PHANTOM), the virtual hepatectomy system was established which could manipulate the virtual scalpel to perform optional resection on virtual liver model.

RESULTSAfter slice-cutting the cast liver, 910 serial cross-section images were obtained sharply and clearly. The 3D reconstructed liver model looked like the liver sample exactly, and could be magnified, contracted and rotated. In the virtual surgery system with good interaction, powerful immersion and great imagination, the virtual scalpel could be manipulated to perform optional resection on 3D liver model with the haptic device (PHANTOM).

CONCLUSIONSThe 3D visualized liver and the virtual hepatectomy system has been satisfactorily developed using the hepatic serial sectional images. The process of simulation operation was consistent with clinical practice.