Systems and methods for segmenting and displaying tubular vessels in volumetric imaging data
First Claim
1. A computer-assisted method comprising:
- accessing stored volumetric (3D) imaging data of a subject;
representing at least a portion of the 3D imaging data on a two dimensional (2D) screen;
receiving user-input specifying a single location on the 2D screen;
computing an initial centerline path of the tubular structure;
obtaining segmented 3D tubular structure data by performing a segmentation that separates the 3D tubular structure data from other data in the 3D imaging data using the single location as an initial seed for performing the segmentation; and
correcting the initial centerline path using the segmented 3D tubular structure data.
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Abstract
This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for segmenting and displaying blood vessels or other tubular structures in volumetric imaging data. The vessel of interest is specified by user input, such as by using a single point-and-click of a mouse or using a menu to select the desired vessel. A central vessel axis (CVA) or centerline path is obtained. A segmentation algorithm uses the centerline to propagate a front that collects voxels associated with the vessel. Re-initialization of the algorithm permits control parameter(s) to be adjusted to accommodate local variations at different parts of the vessel. Termination of the front occurs, among other things, upon vessel departure, for example, indicated by a speed of front evolution falling below a predetermined threshold. After segmentation, an analysis view displays on a screen a 3D rendering of an organ or region, along with orthogonal lateral views of the vessel of interest, and cross-sectional views taken perpendicular to the centerline, which has been corrected using the segmented volumetric vessel data. Cross-sectional diameters are measured automatically, or using a computer-assisted ruler, to permit assessment of stenosis and/or aneurysms. The segmented vessel may also be displayed with a color-coding to indicate its diameter.
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Citations
43 Claims
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1. A computer-assisted method comprising:
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accessing stored volumetric (3D) imaging data of a subject;
representing at least a portion of the 3D imaging data on a two dimensional (2D) screen;
receiving user-input specifying a single location on the 2D screen;
computing an initial centerline path of the tubular structure;
obtaining segmented 3D tubular structure data by performing a segmentation that separates the 3D tubular structure data from other data in the 3D imaging data using the single location as an initial seed for performing the segmentation; and
correcting the initial centerline path using the segmented 3D tubular structure data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A computer-readable medium including executable instructions for performing a method, the method comprising:
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accessing stored volumetric (3D) imaging data of a subject;
representing at least a portion of the 3D imaging data on a two dimensional (2D) screen;
receiving user-input specifying a single location on the 2D screen;
computing an initial centerline path of the tubular structure;
obtaining segmented 3D tubular structure data by performing a segmentation that separates the 3D tubular structure data from other data in the 3D imaging data using the single location as an initial seed for performing the segmentation; and
correcting the initial centerline path using the segmented 3D tubular structure data.
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12. A computer-assisted method comprising:
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accessing stored volumetric (3D) imaging data of a subject;
initializing at least one parameter of a volumetric segmentation algorithm;
iteratively performing a segmentation to separate 3D tubular structure data from other data in the 3D imaging data, the iteratively performing the segmentation including iterating the segmentation algorithm; and
reinitializing the at least one parameter between iterations of the segmentation algorithm, the reinitializing including adjusting the at least one parameter if needed to accommodate a local variation in the 3D tubular structure data. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A computer readable medium including executable instructions for performing a method, the method comprising:
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accessing stored volumetric (3D) imaging data of a subject;
initializing at least one parameter of a volumetric segmentation algorithm;
iteratively performing a segmentation to separate 3D tubular structure data from other data in the 3D imaging data, the iteratively performing the segmentation including iterating the segmentation algorithm; and
reinitializing the at least one parameter between iterations of the segmentation algorithm, the reinitializing including adjusting the at least one parameter if needed to accommodate a local variation in the 3D tubular structure data.
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22. A computer-assisted method of performing a segmentation of 3D tubular structure data from other data in 3D imaging data, the method comprising:
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initializing a wave-like front at an origin that is located along a path of interest in the 3D imaging data;
initializing a propagation speed of evolution of the front to a first value;
propagating the front by iteratively updating the front, the updating including recalculating the propagation speed;
comparing the propagation speed to a predetermined threshold value that is less than the first value;
if the propagation speed falls below the predetermined threshold value, then terminating the propagating of the front; and
classifying all points that the front has reached as pertaining to the tubular structure. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A computer readable medium including executable instructions for performing a method, the method comprising:
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initializing a wave-like front at an origin that is located along a path of interest in the 3D imaging data;
initializing a propagation speed of evolution of the front to a first value;
propagating the front by iteratively updating the front, the updating including recalculating the propagation speed;
comparing the propagation speed to a predetermined threshold value that is less than the first value;
if the propagation speed falls below the predetermined threshold value, then terminating the propagating of the front; and
classifying all points that the front has reached as pertaining to the tubular structure.
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28. A computer-assisted method comprising:
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obtaining volumetric three dimensional (3D) imaging data of a subject;
computing a central vessel axis (CVA) of at least one vessel of interest;
performing a segmentation to separate data associated with the at least one vessel of interest from other data in the 3D imaging data of the subject to obtain segmented data that is associated with a segmented vessel structure;
representing a 3D image of a region of the 3D imaging data on a two 8 dimensional (2D) screen;
displaying on the screen a first lateral view of at least one portion of the at least one vessel of interest;
displaying on the screen a second lateral view of the at least one portion of the at least one vessel of interest, the second lateral view taken perpendicular to the first lateral view; and
displaying on the screen cross sections, perpendicular to the CVA; and
wherein the 3D image, the first and second lateral views, and the cross sections are displayed in visual correspondence together on the screen. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42)
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43. A computer readable medium including executable instructions for performing a method, the method comprising:
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obtaining volumetric three dimensional (3D) imaging data of a subject;
computing a central vessel axis (CVA) of at least one vessel of interest;
performing a segmentation to separate data associated with the at least one vessel of interest from other data in the 3D imaging data of the subject to obtain segmented data that is associated with a segmented vessel structure;
representing a 3D image of a region of the 3D imaging data on a two dimensional (2D) screen;
displaying on the screen a first lateral view of at least one portion of the at least one vessel of interest;
displaying on the screen a second lateral view of the at least one portion of the at least one vessel of interest, the second lateral view taken perpendicular to the first lateral view; and
displaying on the screen cross sections, perpendicular to the CVA; and
wherein the 3D image, the first and second lateral views, and the cross sections are displayed in visual correspondence together on the screen.
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Specification