title: Automatic centerline extraction for virtual colonoscopy.
abstract: In this paper, we introduce a concise and concrete definition of an accurate colon centerline and provide an efficient automatic means to extract the centerline and its associated branches (caused by a forceful touching of colon and small bowel or a deep fold in twisted colon lumen). We further discuss its applications on fly-through path planning and endoscopic simulation, as well as its potential to solve the challenging touching and colon collapse problems in virtual colonoscopy. Experimental results demonstrated its centeredness, robustness, and efficiency.
authors.affiliation: The Boeing Company, Seattle, WA 98124-2207, USA. Ming.Wan@Boeing.com
authors.forename: Ming
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wan
authors.forename: Zhengrong
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.forename: Qi
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Ke
authors.forename: Lichan
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Ingmar
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bitter
authors.forename: Arie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kaufman
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional / Q000379:methods; D003106:Colon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic / Q000379:methods*; D016208:Databases, Factual; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated; D011786:Quality Control; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000379:methods