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Vtree3D is a novel technique for generating representations of tubular
objects in 3D medical data. Tubular objects are abundant in medical images,
e.g., vessels, bones, ducts, spinal cords, and bowels. Tubes can be characterized
as smoothly varying, yet possibly branching, structures in 3D that have
nearly circular cross sections.
While other techniques have been suggested for segmenting tubular objects,
our method rapidly generates accurate and consistent tubular representations
with minimal user interaction by exploiting the geometry of tubes.
Our method is also advantageous because the form of the representations
it generates (i.e., central skeleton and widths). These representations
enable abstract reasoning and hence a variety of clinical applications.
These representations can be easily joined, split, quantitatively evaluated,
and viewed in isolation. As examples, this page illustrates the formation
and manipulation of vascular and bronchial trees for surgical planning. |
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