Accurate Localization of General Tubular Structures in Medical Images

描述（由申请人提供）：许多医学应用需要或将受益于医学图像中管状结构（例如，神经、血管等）的自动定位。最近，开发了一种特定算法，其在定位耳中的两个神经（面神经和鼓索）中稳健地执行。该算法的结构是开放的额外的设计，可以解决一些严重的缺点，在许多当前的定位方法。因此，本课题的具体目标是：（1）进一步验证该算法在面神经和脊索上的性能。该方法已在14个CT上进行了测试，从同一台扫描仪，在所有情况下都有非常积极的结果。该方法将通过测试该算法在来自四家医院的60个CT上的准确性来进一步验证，这些CT将从当前NIH资助的项目中获得。(2)开发自动训练算法的软件。该算法必须针对其要定位的每种类型的结构进行一次训练。目前，训练过程是手动的，非常耗时，并且需要先进的图像处理专业知识。这一目标将通过广泛的数学和图像处理文献综述，在该领域的现有方法的综合误差分析，和创造性的实验来实现。成功将通过与通过手动调整实现的结果相比，定位结果的可接受性和定位的准确性来衡量。(3)将技术扩展到新的应用。将检查乙状窦、颈动脉、视神经、视交叉和视束的定位结果。MR和CT将从3个NIH资助的项目中获得。结果的解释将由每个结构相关领域的经验丰富的医生协助。本研究中包括的解剖结构与三种应用相关。研究人员验证了一种新的植入人工耳蜗的微创技术，他们发现，当本研究中的四个结构被定位并以3D呈现时，新技术更容易和更安全。放置脑深部刺激器的医生发现，视神经束的定位将增强电极的放置。放射治疗头部癌症的医生需要准确定位视神经、视束和视交叉，以确保免受有害影响。 Pulic健康相关性：该项目的结果有可能为医生提供解剖学信息，使人工耳蜗植入更安全，更有效地治疗耳聋，提高植入深部脑刺激器治疗帕金森氏症的安全性和效率，通过引导放射治疗提高癌症治疗的安全性，并使本研究未涉及的许多其他应用受益。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Many medical applications require or would benefit from automatic localization of tubular structures in medical images, e.g. nerves, vessels, etc. Recently, a particular algorithm was developed which has performed robustly in localizing two nerves in the ear, the facial nerve and chorda tympani. The structure of this algorithm is open to additional designs which could address some severe shortcomings in many current localization methods. The specific aims of this project are thus to:(1) Further validate the performance of this algorithm on the facial nerve and chorda. The method has been tested on 14 CT's, taken from the same scanner, with very positive results in all cases. The method will be further validated by testing the accuracy of the algorithm on 60 CT's from four hospitals which will be made available from a current NIH funded project. (2) Develop software which automatically trains the algorithm. The algorithm must be trained once for each type of structure it is to localize. Currently, the training process is manual, very time consuming, and requires advanced image processing expertise. This aim will be accomplished through extensive mathematical and image processing literature review, comprehensive error analysis of current methods in the field, and creative experimentation. Success will be gauged by acceptability of localization results and accuracy of localizations compared to those achieved through manual tuning. (3) Extend the technology to new applications. Localization results for the sigmoid sinus, carotid artery, optic nerves, optic chiasm, and the optic tracts will be examined. MR's and CT's will be acquired from 3 NIH funded projects. Interpretation of results will be assisted by experienced physicians in the field for which each structure is relevant. Anatomical structures included in this study are relevant to three applications. Researchers validating a new minimally invasive technique for placing cochlear implants have found that the new technique is much easier and safer when four structures in this study are localized and rendered in 3D. Physicians placing deep brain stimulators have found that localization of the optic tracts would enhance electrode placement. Physicians treating head cancers with radiotherapy require accurate localization of the optic nerves, tracts, and chiasm to ensure safety from harmful effects. PULIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The results of this project have the potential to provide physicians with anatomical information that will make cochlear implantation safer and a more available treatment for deafness, increase safety and efficiency in the placement of deep brain stimulators for treatment of Parkinson's, increase safety in the treatment of cancer by guided radiotherapy, and benefit many other applications not addressed in this study.