Vessel Curve-Skeleton Extraction Using Vector Field Topology

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for extracting vascular structures from volumetric images are labor-intensive, computationally cumbersome, and prone to producing jagged centerlines due to their voxel-based nature, which affects the accuracy of morphometric data such as vessel diameters and branch angles.

Innovation Solution

A method that computes a vector field with vectors pointing inward toward the vessel center, using tetrahedrization and topological analysis to identify center points and create a curve-skeleton, allowing for accurate extraction of vascular structures and diameters without the limitations of voxel-based approaches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If voxel-based centerline extraction algorithms are used, then the extraction process is straightforward, but the resulting centerlines are jagged and morphometric data accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction process simplicityVSAvoidmorphometric data accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical voxel-based extraction approach with a vector field-based method. Instead of relying on discrete voxel grids that produce jagged lines, the invention uses continuous vector fields with inward-pointing vectors to guide centerline extraction, thereby maintaining smooth geometry and improving measurement precision while preserving algorithmic straightforwardness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter representation from discrete voxel coordinates to continuous vector field parameters. By computing vector fields where each vector points toward the vessel center, the method transforms the extraction problem into a field-based computation that naturally produces smooth centerlines and accurate morphometric data without the jagged artifacts inherent in voxel-based approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional segmentation methods are used, then the methodology is well-established, but the labor required increases tremendously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemethodology establishednessVSAvoidextraction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automated vector field computation and topological analysis. The system automatically computes inward-pointing vector fields from vessel boundaries and uses topological analysis to extract centerlines without manual intervention, eliminating the tremendous labor requirement while maintaining the reliability of established segmentation methodologies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential morphometric data by directly computing centerlines from vector field topological analysis, bypassing the labor-intensive manual reconstruction and counting processes. This extraction approach focuses on obtaining the necessary geometric and branching pattern data efficiently while maintaining methodological reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Extent of automation

If 3D thinning algorithms are used, then the centerline extraction is automated, but artifacts such as cycles, spurs, and non-unit-width parts are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction automationVSAvoidcenterline geometry accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical 3D thinning algorithm with a vector field-based topological analysis approach. Instead of iteratively removing voxels that produces artifacts, the invention uses continuous vector fields and topological analysis to directly identify centerlines, automatically eliminating cycles, spurs, and non-unit-width parts while maintaining full automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes from discrete voxel thinning parameters to continuous vector field parameters. By representing the vessel structure as a vector field where vectors point toward the center, the method naturally produces unit-width centerlines without the geometric artifacts inherent in voxel-based thinning, while preserving automation through algorithmic computation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8913060B2Systems and methods for extracting a curve-skeleton from a volumetric image of a vessel

Publication Date: 2014.12.16 DTHERAPEUTICS LLC

AI summary

An accurate analysis of the spatial distribution and intravascular pattern of blood flow in any organ must be based on detailed morphometry (diameters, lengths, vessel numbers, branching pattern, branching angles, etc.) of the organ vasculature. Despite the significance of detailed morphometric data, there is relative scarcity of database on vascular anatomy, mainly because the process is extremely labor intensive. Novel methods in the form of a segmentation algorithm for semi-automation of morphometric data extraction are provided. The extraction algorithm is based on a topological analysis of a vector field generated by the normal vectors of the extracted vessel wall. With this approach, special focus is made on achieving the highest accuracy of the measured values, with excellent results when compared to manual measurements of the main trunk of the coronary arteries with microscopy.