Objective: Three-dimensional data for noninvasive imaging of the coronary arteries are acquired from electron beam CT, multidetector CT, or MR imaging. Most commonly, surface rendering is used for three-dimensional processing, but recent advances in hardware and software technology have made it possible to use volume rendering. Our objective was to compare volume rendering with surface rendering for the visualization of the coronary artery tree.
Conclusion: Our experience in the comparison of both techniques shows that because of intrinsic problems associated with surface rendering, volume rendering produces better image quality.