Automatic segmentation of the heart and aorta in medical 3-D scans without contrast media injections
US8139836B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 2008 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/922
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method automatically segments the heart and abdominal aorta from volumetric images without the need to inject iodine contrast media into the subject. The method automatically quantifies arterial plaque (hard plaque, soft plaque or both) in the cardiovascular system. Plaque definitions include subject specific in vivo blood/muscle density measurements, subject specific voxel statistical parameters and 2-D and 3-D voxel connectivity criteria, which are used to automatically identify the plaques. The locations and outlines of the major arteries are determined in a 3-D coordinate system and the specific coordinates of the detected plaques are displayed in a plaque map for follow-up exams or ease in plaque review and reporting the results.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.