Interactive medical data on demand: a high-performance imaged-based approach across heterogeneous environments.

Medical data in image format continues to increase in both size and complexity. We have integrated advanced techniques in visualization, networked computing, and interface design to improve methods for accessing medical data comprising high-resolution images for reconstructions into three-dimensional volumetric representations. We present two approaches to handle the range of low to high-end client platforms, support visualization functionality, and provide the ability to manipulate very large data over heterogeneous computing and networking environments. We present examples of its use for clinical, research, and educational purposes and discuss future extensions.