Coronary Artery Segmentation and Skeletonization Based on Competing Fuzzy Connectedness Tree

Abstract

Abstract. We propose a new segmentation algorithm based on competing fuzzy connectedness theory, which is then used for visualizing coronary arteries in 3D CT angiography (CTA) images. The major difference compared to other fuzzy connectedness algorithms is that an additional data structure, the connectedness tree, is constructed at the same time as the seeds propagate. In preliminary evaluations, accurate result have been achieved with very limited user interaction. In addition to improving computational speed and segmentation results, the fuzzy connectedness tree algorithm also includes automated extraction of the vessel centerlines, which is a promising approach for creating curved plane reformat (CPR) images along arteries' long axes.

Integrating automatic and interactive methods for coronary artery segmentation: let the PACS workstation think ahead

“…This competing fuzzy connectedness tree structure not only serves to solve an ambiguity problem that may arise when propagation from different seeds occurs along the same path [6], but also produces a path that follows the intensity ridge along the vessels as discussed in our previous report [6]. Notice that as the input image here used is a vessel-enhanced image, the intensity ridge actually represents the centerline of a vessel.…”

“…At this stage, the membership of every voxel can be calculated by comparing its connectedness value to different seeds, assigning the voxel to the seed yielding the highest connectivity. Applying this strategy to all voxels in the image, a natural segmentation by "virtual contrast injection" is achieved [6]. The whole concept can be likened to contrast agents of different color being injected in the seed regions and circulating within the cardiovascular system while competing with each other.…”

“…Building on our earlier work on "virtual contrast injection" visualization [5][6][7], this paper presents a quantitative coronary CTA analysis tool, built on the open-source PACS workstation software OsiriX [8], which integrates both fully automatic and interactive methods for coronary artery extraction. The computational power of an ordinary PC is exploited by running the non-supervised coronary artery segmentation and centerline tracking in the background as soon as the images are received.…”

An interactive software module for visualizing coronary arteries in CT angiography

“…The competing fuzzy connectedness tree (CFCT) structure also serves to solve an ambiguity problem that may arise when propagation from different seeds occurs along the same path [7].…”

“…The algorithm has been extended to separating coronary arteries from ventricles in CTA volumes, achieving promising results with limited user interaction in preliminary experiments [6,7]. In this paper, we describe a dedicated software module for intuitive user interaction and coronary visualization.…”