How can I calculate and visualize displacement vectors of the heart and lungs between Normal Breathing and DIBH

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Hello everyone,

I am currently conducting a research study involving patients with unilateral left-sided breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy. The purpose of my study is to compare Normal Breathing (free breathing) and Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) conditions using CT images and image analysis in 3D Slicer version 5.10.0.

In this project, I need to evaluate anatomical displacement and motion-related parameters of the heart and lungs between the two breathing conditions. I would greatly appreciate detailed step-by-step guidance for the following questions.

Question 1:
How can I calculate displacement vectors of the heart and lungs between Normal Breathing and DIBH CT images?

My goal is to quantify organ motion between the two respiratory conditions. I would like guidance about:

  • Recommended registration methods (rigid, affine, or deformable)

  • Which registration module or extension is preferred in Slicer 5.10.0

  • How to obtain displacement vector fields (DVF)

  • How to calculate displacement magnitude and direction

  • Whether Elastix, BRAINS, or another registration tool is recommended

Question 2:
How can displacement vectors of the heart and lungs be visualized inside 3D Slicer?

I would appreciate step-by-step instructions regarding:

  • Visualization of vector fields or motion maps

  • Displaying arrows/vectors in 2D or 3D

  • Showing displacement magnitude with color maps

  • Any modules for vector visualization

  • Recommended methods for qualitative and quantitative motion analysis

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Figure 2.
Visualization of displacement vectors inside the lungs between Normal Breathing and Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) CT images. This figure is related to Questions 3 and 4 regarding the calculation and visualization of displacement vector fields (DVF) and respiratory motion analysis in 3D Slicer.

I am a student and still a beginner in working with 3D Slicer software. Therefore, I would highly appreciate very detailed, step-by-step guidance for the following questions. If possible, please explain the workflow in a beginner-friendly manner, including the names of modules, extensions, buttons, and menus that should be used in 3D Slicer version 5.10.0.

Additionally, I noticed that some older tutorials mention extensions such as Plastimatch or QARegistration, but these extensions do not appear in the Extension Manager of Slicer 5.10.0. Therefore, I would appreciate recommendations for alternative workflows that are currently supported in this version.

Thank you very much for your help and guidance.