MRA data segmentation using level sets

Abstract

In this paper, we use a level set based segmentation algorithm to extract the vascular tree from Magnetic Resonance Angiography, "MRA". Classification model finds an optimal partition of homogeneous classes with regular interfaces. Regions and their interfaces are represented by level set functions. The algorithm initializes level sets in each image slice using automatic seed initialization and then iteratively, each level set approaches the steady state and contains the vessel or non-vessel area. The algorithm is applied on each slice of the volume to build up the tree. The results are validated using a phantom that simulates the "MRA", The approach is fast and accurate. Results on various cases demonstrate the accuracy of the approach.