DRRGenerator: A Three-dimensional Slicer Extension for the Rapid and Easy Development of Digitally Reconstructed Radiographs

Abstract

As the interest in image-guided medical interventions has increased, so too has the necessity for open-source software tools to provide the required capabilities without exorbitant costs. A common issue encountered in these procedures is the need to compare computed tomography (CT) data with X-ray data, for example, to compare pre-operative CT imaging with intraoperative X-rays. A software approach to solve this dilemma is the production of digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) which computationally simulate an X-ray-type image from CT data. The resultant image can be easily compared to an X-ray image and can provide valuable clinical information, such as small anatomical changes that have occurred between the pre-operative and operative imaging (i.e., vertebral positioning). To provide an easy way for clinicians to make their own DRRs, we propose DRR generator, a customizable extension for the open-source medical imaging application three-dimensional (3D) Slicer. DRR generator provides rapid computation of DRRs through a highly customizable user interface. This extension provides end-users a free, open-source, and reliable way of generating DRRs. This program is integrated within 3D Slicer and thus can utilize its powerful imaging tools to provide a comprehensive segmentation and registration application for clinicians and researchers. DRR generator is available for download through 3D Slicer's in-app extension manager and requires no additional software.