Veran Medical Technologies, Inc.

Andrew Dougherty

Mark W Hunter

Method and processes for segmentation of lungs lobes from CT image data are disclosed. Lobe segmentation relies on other segmentations, including the lungs, the lung airways and vasculature. Segmentation methods and processes begin with the acquisition of 3-D image data such as from a high resolution CT scan of a patient's lungs or at least a region thereof. The image is then processed to provide a segmentation mask from which the components are extracted to identify the lungs and airway. Lung vasculature and lobes are identified by similar processes.

Methods for the segmentation of lungs, lung vasculature and lung lobes from CT data and clinical applications

A local extension method for segmentation of anatomical treelike structures includes receiving an initial segmentation of 3D image data including an initial treelike structure. A target point in the 3D image data is defined, and a region of interest based on the target point is extracted to create a sub-image. Highly tubular voxels are detected in the sub-image, and a spillage-constrained region growing is performed using the highly tubular voxels as seed points. Connected components are extracted from the results of the region growing. The extracted components are pruned to discard components not likely to be connected to the initial treelike structure, keeping only candidate components likely to be a valid sub-tree of the initial treelike structure. The candidate components are connected to the initial treelike structure, thereby extending the initial segmentation in the region of interest.

Apparatuses and methods for navigation in and local segmentation extension of anatomical treelike structures

Apparatuses and methods for navigation in and Local segmentation extension of anatomical treelike structures

A method of extending a segmentation of an image using navigated image data from a navigation system includes tracking, with the navigation system, at least one of a traveled path and a position of an imaging device relative to an initial segmentation of 3D image data including an initial treelike structure. Navigated image data including image data including at least one 2D or 3D image is captured with the imaging device. A point from the navigated image data corresponding to a potential airway structure is obtained by the navigation system. The initial segmentation of 3D image data is extended by the navigation system using the point obtained from the navigated image data.

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Denver, CO, United States of America

Andrew Dougherty