Disclosed herein in a method and system for creating and utilizing a virtual-three dimensional image in a real-world environment to guide medical procedures. The process may include receiving image data related to a patient and creating and displaying a three-dimensional holographic model of the patient utilizing the received image data, wherein creating a three-dimensional holographic model of the patient utilizing the received image data. Exemplary methods include organizing image data in a unique manner and utilizing subvolume skipping techniques allowing for more efficient accurate rendering of holographic images.