title: Geodesic Distance Algorithm for Extracting the Ascending Aorta from 3D CT Images.
abstract: This paper presents a method for the automatic 3D segmentation of the ascending aorta from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). The segmentation is performed in three steps. First, the initial seed points are selected by minimizing a newly proposed energy function across the Hough circles. Second, the ascending aorta is segmented by geodesic distance transformation. Third, the seed points are effectively transferred through the next axial slice by a novel transfer function. Experiments are performed using a database composed of 10 patients' CCTA images. For the experiment, the ground truths are annotated manually on the axial image slices by a medical expert. A comparative evaluation with state-of-the-art commercial aorta segmentation algorithms shows that our approach is computationally more efficient and accurate under the DSC (Dice Similarity Coefficient) measurements.
authors.affiliation: Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Yeonggul
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Jang
authors.affiliation: Division of Computer and Electronic Systems Engineering, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin 449-791, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ho Yub
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.affiliation: Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Youngtaek
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Iksung
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hackjoon
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shim
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hyuk-Jae
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001011:Aorta / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D016477:Artifacts; D000072226:Computed Tomography Angiography; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012307:Risk Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed