Segmentation of 3D medical structures using robust ray propagation

A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for segmenting structures from three-dimensional (3D) images, the method steps comprising:

• receiving 3D image data;
• visualizing the 3D image data on a display device;
• selecting a structure in the 3D image data by placing a seed in the structure;
• initializing a plurality of rays from the seed to form a surface;
• determining a speed function of each of the plurality of rays;
• evolving the surface by propagating the plurality of rays based on the speed function of each of the plurality of rays;
• converging the plurality of rays on a boundary of the structure;
• and
• segmenting the structure when all of the plurality of rays have converged on the structure's boundary.

A system for segmenting structures from three-dimensional (3D) images, the system comprising:

• an input device for receiving 3D image data;
• a display device for visualizing the 3D image data;
• a cursor control device for selecting a structure in the 3D image data by placing a seed in the structure;
• and
• a processor for segmenting the structure from the 3D image data.