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The basic determinants required for accurate estimation of the functional status of the intact heart, lungs and other organs; namely, their true dynamic changes in regional shape and dimensions, the temporal and regional distribution of blood flow to, within, and from these organs, and their internal and transmural pressures, can be obtained by application of dynamic spatial reconstruction techniques to simultaneous and synchronous recordings of multiplanar x-ray images and multiple associated physiological variables. This paper describes a computerized method for obtaining cross-sectional images of the dynamic spatial distribution of x-ray attenuation covering the entire anatomic extent of the thorax and its contents in living dogs with 1 mm resolution and at 1/60th second intervals in time. Operator-interactive computer programs for display of the dynamic sequences of these reconstructed cross sections, for display of any desired single or spatially related set of coronal, sagittal or obliquely oriented section(s) calculated from these reconstructed cross sections, and for display of the three-dimensional surface of the entire organ structure are operational for viewing the temporal and spatial distribution of contraction, expansion, and perfusion of the heart, lungs, and other organs over their full anatomic extent from various aspects and in variable time-base modes ranging from stop-action to real-time. The results achieved with this computerized system for three-dimensional reconstruction and display of the heart, lungs, and circulation demonstrate the potential for providing greatly improved techniques for investigation of the relationships of the dynamic three-dimensional structure of these and other organ systems of the body to their regional and integrated function.
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