Analysis and exploration of 3d visualization for neck dissection planning

We present visualization techniques for neck dissection planning. These interventions are carried out to remove lymph node metastasis in the neck region. In 18 CT-datasets, the relevant anatomic and pathologic structures were segmented. 3d visualization is intended to explore and to quantify anatomic and pathologic structures and thus support decisions concerning the surgical strategy. For this purpose we developed and combined visualization and interaction techniques such as cutaway views, silhouettes and color-coded distances. In addition, a standardized procedure for processing and visualization of the patient data is presented.