Detection and description of pulmonary nodules through 2D and 3D clustering

Precise 3D automated detection, description and classification of pulmonary nodules offer the potential for early diagnosis of cancer and greater efficiency in the reading of computerised tomography (CT) images. CT scan centres are currently experiencing high loads and experts shortage, especially in developing countries such as Iraq where the results of the current research will be used. This motivates the researchers to address these problems and challenges by developing automated processes for the early detection and efficient description of cancer cases. This research attempts to reduce workloads, enhance the patient throughput and improve the diagnosis performance. To achieve this goal, the study selects techniques for segmentation, classification, detection and implements the best candidates alongside a novel automated approach. Techniques for each stage in the process are quantitatively evaluated to select the best performance against standard data for lung cancer. In addition, the ideal approach is identified by comparing them against other works in detecting and describing pulmonary nodules. This work detects and describes the nodules and their characteristics in several stages: automated lung segmentation from the background, automated 2D and 3D clustering of vessels and nodules, applying shape and textures features, classification and automatic measurement of nodule characteristics. This work is tested on standard CT lung image data and shows promising results, matching or close to experts’ diagnosis in the nodules number and their features (size/volume, location) and in terms the accuracy and automation. It also achieved a classification accuracy of 98% and efficient results in measuring the nodules’ volume automatically

DICOM for implantations-overview and application

Surgeons have to deal with many devices from different vendors within the operating room during surgery. Independent communication standards are necessary for the system integration of these devices. For implantations, three new extensions of the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard make use of a common communication standard that may optimise one of the surgeon's presently very time-consuming daily tasks. The paper provides a brief description of these DICOM Supplements and gives recommendations to their application in practice based on workflows that are proposed to be covered by the new standard extension. Two of the workflows are described in detail and separated into phases that are supported by the new data structures. Examples for the application of the standard within these phases give an impression of the potential usage. Even if the presented workflows are from different domains, we identified a generic core that may benefit from the surgical DICOM Supplements. In some steps of the workflows, the surgical DICOM Supplements are able to replace or optimise conventional methods. Standardisation can only be a means for integration and interoperability. Thus, it can be used as the basis for new applications and system architectures. The influence on current applications and communication processes is limited. Additionally, the supplements provide the basis for further applications, such as the support of surgical navigation systems. Given the support of all involved stakeholders, it is possible to provide a benefit for surgeons and patients

DICOM for Implantations—Overview and Application

Surgeons have to deal with many devices from different vendors within the operating room during surgery. Independent communication standards are necessary for the system integration of these devices. For implantations, three new extensions of the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard make use of a common communication standard that may optimise one of the surgeon's presently very time-consuming daily tasks. The paper provides a brief description of these DICOM Supplements and gives recommendations to their application in practice based on workflows that are proposed to be covered by the new standard extension. Two of the workflows are described in detail and separated into phases that are supported by the new data structures. Examples for the application of the standard within these phases give an impression of the potential usage. Even if the presented workflows are from different domains, we identified a generic core that may benefit from the surgical DICOM Supplements. In some steps of the workflows, the surgical DICOM Supplements are able to replace or optimise conventional methods. Standardisation can only be a means for integration and interoperability. Thus, it can be used as the basis for new applications and system architectures. The influence on current applications and communication processes is limited. Additionally, the supplements provide the basis for further applications, such as the support of surgical navigation systems. Given the support of all involved stakeholders, it is possible to provide a benefit for surgeons and patients