Visualizing the internal structure is a crucial step in acquiring knowledge about the origin, state, and composition of cultural heritage artifacts. Among the most powerful techniques for exposing... Show moreVisualizing the internal structure is a crucial step in acquiring knowledge about the origin, state, and composition of cultural heritage artifacts. Among the most powerful techniques for exposing the interior of cultural heritage objects is computed tomography (CT), a technique that computationally forms a 3D image using hundreds of radiographs acquired in a full circular range. The diversity in materials, shapes and sizes of cultural heritage objects poses a challenge for the broad application of this technique, since each scan needs to be tailored to the object. Moreover, the lack of affordable and versatile CT equipment in museums, combined with the challenge of transporting precious collection objects, currently keeps this technique out of reach for most cultural heritage applications. In this thesis, we explore how CT imaging can be further integrated in cultural heritage applications by 1) integrating expert feedback into the data acquisition process, 2) tailoring acquisition methods to obtain specific information, 3) developing a low-cost method to use in-house X-ray facilities for 3D CT imaging and 4) providing tools to interactively visualise and inspect the CT data. Show less
In this thesis we present several methods to automate tomographic reconstruction algorithms and several novel tomographic reconstruction algorithms with the focus on being easily applicable and... Show moreIn this thesis we present several methods to automate tomographic reconstruction algorithms and several novel tomographic reconstruction algorithms with the focus on being easily applicable and efficient to use. Show less
The objective of this dissertation was to establish the value of QCT to further enhance the clinical applicability and accuracy of coronary CTA. The automatic characterization of coronary... Show more The objective of this dissertation was to establish the value of QCT to further enhance the clinical applicability and accuracy of coronary CTA. The automatic characterization of coronary atherosclerosis with QCT is feasible and correlates well with IVUS VH. Secondly, novel CTA risk score was created incorporating detailed information on the location, severity and composition of atherosclerosis as assessed with QCT. This CTA risk score allows accurate risk stratification of patients with suspected CAD. A drawback of coronary CTA is the fact that the hemodynamic significance of a lesion cannot be evaluated. In this thesis it was demonstrated that QCT provided better correlation with the presence of myocardial ischemia on SPECT MPI as compared to current visual assessment of coronary CTA. With regards to the specific setting of high risk diabetic patients without chest pain syndrome several conclusion can be derived from this thesis. First, if treated with optimal medical therapy, very few patients present with progression of myocardial ischemia. Second, the prognosis of these patients is good; the overall long-term event-rate is limited. Especially diabetic patients without CAD on coronary CTA have an excellent prognosis. Show less
The aim of this thesis was to develop, evaluate and implement technological advances in MDCT in clinical practice. Additionally dose assessment was performed to obtain more insight into the risk of... Show moreThe aim of this thesis was to develop, evaluate and implement technological advances in MDCT in clinical practice. Additionally dose assessment was performed to obtain more insight into the risk of radiation effects by using MDCT. Show less
In recent years, a number of new cardiac interventional procedures have been introduced. Catheter ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation (AF) have been refined and are now considered a good... Show moreIn recent years, a number of new cardiac interventional procedures have been introduced. Catheter ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation (AF) have been refined and are now considered a good treatment option in patients with drug-refractory AF. In cardiac pacing, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is now standard of care for patients with drug-refractory heart failure. At the same time, CRT may also be beneficial in patients with heart failure after long-term right ventricular (RV) apical pacing. Finally, new percutaneous procedures for valvular heart disease have been introduced for patients that are deemed inoperable. At the same time, various imaging modalities have been further developed and important advances have been made in the integration of different imaging modalities. The aim of the present thesis was to explore the role of multimodality imaging in cardiac interventional procedures. In Part I, the integration of different imaging modalities during catheter ablation procedures for AF was studied. In addition, the effects of these procedures on left atrial and left ventricular (LV) size and function were investigated. Part II studied the effects of RV apical pacing on LV dyssynchrony and mechanics, and the effect of upgrade to CRT. Finally, in Part III the role of imaging in new percutaneous procedures for valvular heart disease was explored. Show less
