Abstract
This paper briefly overviews the virtual endoscopy system and its application to diagnosis of the bronchus. Ten years have passed from the initial reports of virtual endoscopy systems. Nowadays, virtual endoscopy systems are widely used in the medical field as one of the visualization methods of three-dimensional medical images. This paper briefly explains basic techniques for generating virtual endoscopic views and implementation of the virtual endoscopy system. Also, some of applications to diagnosis of the bronchus are shown. We introduce the VES that displays anatomical names of bronchial branches on virtual bronchoscopic views. Bronchoscope navigation system is explained with tracking results of the real bronchoscope. Clinical study, which employs VES as a guidance tool of real bronchoscopy, is also introduces. We show combination of VES and virtual reality devices as a technique that emphasizes immersion feelings. VES also can be used as a teaching tool of medical students. Several functions for education are presented. Virtual endoscopy inside the pulmonary alveolus is demonstrated as the future level of virtual endoscopy
