Web-Based GPU-Accelerated Application for Multiplanar Reconstructions from Conventional 2D Ultrasound.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In ultrasound education there is a need for interactive web-based learning resources. The purpose of this project was to develop a web-based application that enables the generation and exploration of volumetric datasets from cine loops obtained with conventional 2D ultrasound. MATERIALS AND METHODS: JavaScript code for ultrasound video loading and the generation of volumetric datasets was created and merged with an existing web-based imaging viewer based on JavaScript and HTML5. The Web Graphics Library was utilized to enable hardware-accelerated image rendering. RESULTS: The result is a web application that works in most major browsers without any plug-ins. It allows users to load a conventional 2D ultrasound cine loop which can subsequently be manipulated with on-the-fly multiplanar reconstructions as in a Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) viewer. The application is freely accessible at (http//www.castlemountain.dk/atlas/index.php?page=mulrecon&mulreconPage=sonoviewer) where a demonstration of web-based sharing of generated cases can also be found. CONCLUSION: The developed web-based application is unique in its ability to easily perform loading of one's own ultrasound clips and conduct multiplanar reconstructions where interactive cases can be shared on the Internet.