Objective: Cadaver's sectioned images with high resolution and real color could be used as the source of realistic three-dimensional images. If the sectioned images are registered to a patient's MRIs, three-dimensional images with high resolution and real color that fit the patient, can be produced; the three-dimensional images enable realistic virtual surgery for the patient. The objective of this study was to verify the registration of a cadaver's sectioned images to a patient's head MRIs.

Methods: The sectioned images of the heads of cadaver were associated with segmented images selected at 3 mm intervals. The patient had his head MR scanned at 3 mm intervals; the MRIs were segmented. Software to register the cadaver's sectioned images to the patient's MRIs was developed. On this software, the corresponding dots were identified on both the sectioned images and the MRIs either manually or automatically using segmented images.

Results: The registered sectioned images corresponded to the patient's MRIs. Both manual and automatic registrations were satisfied.

Conclusion: Further study is needed for registering sectioned images to actual patients.