Abstract

Images and data representing morphology, function, and metabolism are medically produced in the scope of specific protocols and pathologies. Although generally assessed individually, these data can also be merged together into a multidimensional digital space that simulates the reality of the patient from many different perspectives. This space can then be navigated at will along any dimension, not only for diagnosis but also to plan, simulate, or monitor surgery or other types of therapy. These approaches can be used for addressing various research or clinical needs such as the primary and secondary assessments of complex pathologies, including cancer and epilepsy. Concepts such as those presented in this article represent an adequate foundation not only for an optimum exploitation of all available information for in-vivo assessment and therapy guidance but also for a more effective assessment of the full scope and requirements of live systems simulations) accurate enough for supporting clinical and research developments. © 2001 Sage Publications.