Three-dimensional localization of implanted biomaterials in anatomical and histological specimens using combined X-ray computed tomography and three-dimensional surface reconstruction: a technical note.

For adequate histological processing of implanted biomaterials or tissue-engineered constructs, it is sometimes essential to obtain insight into the localization of structures inside the tissue samples. Observation of three-dimensional (3D) surface reconstruction, including basic photorealistic texture characteristics as surface pattern and color combined with X-ray computed tomography 3D reconstruction at different levels, is a useful approach to localize anatomical or implanted structures within experimental tissue samples. Because of the possible observation of structures of interest in a 3D environment, fusion of these techniques can greatly facilitate histological processing.