The past several years have seen an explosion in the detail and amount of medical imaging data that can be routinely produced during the course of a cross-sectional imaging examination. Whereas ten years ago a typical CT examination generated 30-50 images, today's multidetector helical CT scanners generate thousands of reconstructed images for interpretation. Similar advances are occurring in other modalities as well, such as MR and ultrasound, and yet, the dominant method for radiological interpretation has not changed: visual assessment of the reconstructed cross-sectional images.

The Stanford Radiology 3D Imaging Laboratory was established in 1996 to advance the use of volumetric visualization and analysis techniques for diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as to create new radiological clinical applications. This presentation will introduce examples of 3D Lab clinical and research applications to focus on the challenges presented by the routine generation of large image sets and the opportunities they afford in terms improved patient care.