A computational framework to characterize and compare the geometry of coronary networks

Abstract

This work presents a computational framework to perform a systematic and comprehensive assessment of the morphometry of coronary arteries from in vivo medical images. The methodology embraces image segmentation, arterial vessel representation, characterization and comparison, data storage, and finally analysis. Validation is performed using a sample of 48 patients. Data mining of morphometric information of several coronary arteries is presented. Results agree to medical reports in terms of basic geometric and anatomical variables. Concerning geometric descriptors, inter-artery and intra-artery correlations are studied. Data reported here can be useful for the construction and setup of blood flow models of the coronary circulation. Finally, as an application example, similarity criterion to assess vasculature likelihood based on geometric features is presented and used to test geometric similarity among sibling patients. Results indicate that likelihood, measured through geometric descriptors, is stronger between siblings compared with non-relative patients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Non‐invasive coronary CT angiography‐derived fractional flow reserve: A benchmark study comparing the diagnostic performance of four different computational methodologies

“…The computational workflow consists of five main stages as follows: Input of medical data: This stage includes the CCTA image and patient clinical data. Image processing: Image segmentation of CCTA images is achieved using the methodology detailed in Bulant et al, where segmentation is performed using a level‐set method, initialized using a colliding front algorithm . This results in a triangulated raw surface (coarse triangular mesh) of the coronary tree. Mesh processing and arterial network modeling: The coarse mesh is further processed to obtain the computational mesh suitable for 3D CFD simulations.…”

Validation of contralateral premolars as the substrate for endodontic comparison studies

“…2) in the Vascular Modelling ToolKit Lab (VMTKLab; Bergamo, Italy) Software (VMTKLab), which allows for classic differential geometry analysis to compute point-wise torsion (Bulant et al 2017). 2) in the Vascular Modelling ToolKit Lab (VMTKLab; Bergamo, Italy) Software (VMTKLab), which allows for classic differential geometry analysis to compute point-wise torsion (Bulant et al 2017).…”

“…The mean absolute torsion (degree of twisting of curve out of the osculating plane for each centreline point; Bulant et al 2017, Gallo et al 2017) of the entire length of the root canal was compared pre-and post-instrumentation to evaluate the influence of the file and instrumentation mechanics (Bergmans et al 2001). Torsion is expressed as a negative or positive value depending on whether the twisting is counter clockwise or clockwise, and this study considered the absolute mean of the point-wise torsion along the entire length of the root canal models.…”

“…Degree of twisting was evaluated as changes in torsion of the centreline of each root canal by placing source and target landmarks on the pre-and post-instrumentation models (Fig. 2) in the Vascular Modelling ToolKit Lab (VMTKLab; Bergamo, Italy) Software (VMTKLab), which allows for classic differential geometry analysis to compute point-wise torsion (Bulant et al 2017). VMTKLab allows for quantification of the degree of twisting of the centreline, that is change in torsion, from the occlusal to the apical landmarks.…”

Is the local guy, just a local guy?

“…For instance, even though flow‐mediated (e.g., shear stress) parameters are known to influence atherosclerosis, little is known about the actual potential clinical applications of this knowledge. It is of note that quantitative methods to characterize coronary geometry are new and have just been standardized . Such analytical approaches, currently in their infancy, have recently permitted to show that the tridimensional coronary anatomy follows similar patterns among family members …”