Learning-based spine vertebra localization and segmentation in 3D CT
AssigneeBroncus Medical Inc.
InventorsErkang Cheng, Lav Rai, Henky Wibowo
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Abstract
Described herein is a novel method and system for segmentation of the spine using 3D volumetric data. In embodiments, a method includes an extracting step, localization step, and segmentation step. The extracting step comprises detecting the spine centerline and the spine canal centerline. The localization step comprises localizing the vertebra and intervertebral disc centers. Background and foreground constraints are created for each vertebra digit. Segmentation is performed for each vertebra digit and based on the hard constraints.
Claims17
A method for identifying an anatomic structure of a patient comprising:
- receiving a 3D image data set of the patient;
- detecting a spine centerline and a spine canal centerline of the anatomic structure from the 3D image data set of the patient wherein the detecting is based on a prediction map, and wherein the anatomic structure is the spine and comprises a plurality of interconnected spine digits;
- localizing a vertebra center of each of the plurality of interconnected spine digits, wherein each said vertebra center is required to be on the spine centerline;
- constructing hard constraints for each spine digit, wherein the hard constraints include digit-specific background and foreground constraints based on the spine canal centerline, vertebra centers, intervertebral disc centers, and the spine centerline;
- and
- automatically segmenting the anatomic structure based on the hard constraints from the constructing step;
- and
- displaying the segmented anatomical structure.
A system for segmenting an anatomical structure of a patient, the system comprising:
- a memory unit for storing 3D image data of the patient;
- a programmed processor operable to:
- detect a characteristic feature of the anatomical structure and compute an augmented constrained region encompassing the anatomical structure, and wherein the characteristic feature comprises at least one centerline selected from the group consisting of a spine centerline and a spine canal centerline and the detecting is based on a prediction map;
- localize a vertebra center and an intervertebral disc center based on the augmented constrained region;
- and
- segment the anatomical structure based on the detected characteristic feature and the augmented constrained region;
- and
- a display in communication with the processor and for displaying the segmented anatomical structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.