643 research outputs found
Gaussian Process Morphable Models
Statistical shape models (SSMs) represent a class of shapes as a normal
distribution of point variations, whose parameters are estimated from example
shapes. Principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to obtain a
low-dimensional representation of the shape variation in terms of the leading
principal components. In this paper, we propose a generalization of SSMs,
called Gaussian Process Morphable Models (GPMMs). We model the shape variations
with a Gaussian process, which we represent using the leading components of its
Karhunen-Loeve expansion. To compute the expansion, we make use of an
approximation scheme based on the Nystrom method. The resulting model can be
seen as a continuous analogon of an SSM. However, while for SSMs the shape
variation is restricted to the span of the example data, with GPMMs we can
define the shape variation using any Gaussian process. For example, we can
build shape models that correspond to classical spline models, and thus do not
require any example data. Furthermore, Gaussian processes make it possible to
combine different models. For example, an SSM can be extended with a spline
model, to obtain a model that incorporates learned shape characteristics, but
is flexible enough to explain shapes that cannot be represented by the SSM. We
introduce a simple algorithm for fitting a GPMM to a surface or image. This
results in a non-rigid registration approach, whose regularization properties
are defined by a GPMM. We show how we can obtain different registration
schemes,including methods for multi-scale, spatially-varying or hybrid
registration, by constructing an appropriate GPMM. As our approach strictly
separates modelling from the fitting process, this is all achieved without
changes to the fitting algorithm. We show the applicability and versatility of
GPMMs on a clinical use case, where the goal is the model-based segmentation of
3D forearm images
Landmark Optimization Using Local Curvature for Point-Based Nonlinear Rodent Brain Image Registration
Purpose. To develop a technique to automate landmark selection for point-based interpolating transformations for nonlinear medical image registration. Materials and Methods. Interpolating transformations were calculated from homologous point landmarks on the source (image to be transformed) and target (reference image). Point landmarks are placed at regular intervals on contours of anatomical features, and their positions are optimized along the contour surface by a function composed of curvature similarity and displacements of the homologous landmarks. The method was evaluated in two cases (n = 5 each). In one, MRI was registered to histological sections; in the second, geometric distortions in EPI MRI were corrected. Normalized mutual information and target registration error were calculated to compare the registration accuracy of the automatically and manually generated landmarks. Results. Statistical analyses demonstrated significant improvement (P < 0.05) in registration accuracy by landmark optimization in most data sets and trends towards improvement (P < 0.1) in others as compared to manual landmark selection
Symmetry-guided nonrigid registration: the case for distortion correction in multidimensional photoemission spectroscopy
Image symmetrization is an effective strategy to correct symmetry distortion
in experimental data for which symmetry is essential in the subsequent
analysis. In the process, a coordinate transform, the symmetrization transform,
is required to undo the distortion. The transform may be determined by image
registration (i.e. alignment) with symmetry constraints imposed in the
registration target and in the iterative parameter tuning, which we call
symmetry-guided registration. An example use case of image symmetrization is
found in electronic band structure mapping by multidimensional photoemission
spectroscopy, which employs a 3D time-of-flight detector to measure electrons
sorted into the momentum (, ) and energy () coordinates. In
reality, imperfect instrument design, sample geometry and experimental settings
cause distortion of the photoelectron trajectories and, therefore, the symmetry
in the measured band structure, which hinders the full understanding and use of
the volumetric datasets. We demonstrate that symmetry-guided registration can
correct the symmetry distortion in the momentum-resolved photoemission
patterns. Using proposed symmetry metrics, we show quantitatively that the
iterative approach to symmetrization outperforms its non-iterative counterpart
in the restored symmetry of the outcome while preserving the average shape of
the photoemission pattern. Our approach is generalizable to distortion
corrections in different types of symmetries and should also find applications
in other experimental methods that produce images with similar features
A Heterogeneous and Multi-Range Soft-Tissue Deformation Model for Applications in Adaptive Radiotherapy
During fractionated radiotherapy, anatomical changes result in uncertainties in the applied dose distribution. With increasing steepness of applied dose gradients, the relevance of patient deformations increases. Especially in proton therapy, small anatomical changes in the order of millimeters can result in large range uncertainties and therefore in substantial deviations from the planned dose.
To quantify the anatomical changes, deformation models are required. With upcoming MR-guidance, the soft-tissue deformations gain visibility, but so far only few soft-tissue models meeting the requirements of high-precision radiotherapy exist. Most state-of-the-art models either lack anatomical detail or exhibit long computation times.
In this work, a fast soft-tissue deformation model is developed which is capable of considering tissue properties of heterogeneous tissue. The model is based on the chainmail (CM)-concept, which is improved by three basic features. For the first time, rotational degrees of freedom are introduced into the CM-concept to improve the characteristic deformation behavior. A novel concept for handling multiple deformation initiators is developed to cope with global deformation input. And finally, a concept for handling various shapes of deformation input is proposed to provide a high flexibility concerning the design of deformation input.
To demonstrate the model flexibility, it was coupled to a kinematic skeleton model for the head and neck region, which provides anatomically correct deformation input for the bones.
For exemplary patient CTs, the combined model was shown to be capable of generating artificially deformed CT images with realistic appearance. This was achieved for small-range deformations in the order of interfractional deformations, as well as for large-range deformations like an arms-up to arms-down deformation, as can occur between images of different modalities. The deformation results showed a strong improvement in biofidelity, compared to the original chainmail-concept, as well as compared to clinically used image-based deformation methods. The computation times for the model are in the order of 30 min for single-threaded calculations, by simple code parallelization times in the order of 1 min can be achieved.
Applications that require realistic forward deformations of CT images will benefit from the improved biofidelity of the developed model. Envisioned applications are the generation of plan libraries and virtual phantoms, as well as data augmentation for deep learning approaches.
Due to the low computation times, the model is also well suited for image registration applications. In this context, it will contribute to an improved calculation of accumulated dose, as is required in high-precision adaptive radiotherapy
Multimodal image registration of the scoliotic torso for surgical planning
Background
This paper presents a method that registers MRIs acquired in prone position, with surface topography (TP) and X-ray reconstructions acquired in standing position, in order to obtain a 3D representation of a human torso incorporating the external surface, bone structures, and soft tissues.
Methods
TP and X-ray data are registered using landmarks. Bone structures are used to register each MRI slice using an articulated model, and the soft tissue is confined to the volume delimited by the trunk and bone surfaces using a constrained thin-plate spline.
Results
The method is tested on 3 pre-surgical patients with scoliosis and shows a significant improvement, qualitatively and using the Dice similarity coefficient, in fitting the MRI into the standing patient model when compared to rigid and articulated model registration. The determinant of the Jacobian of the registration deformation shows higher variations in the deformation in areas closer to the surface of the torso.
Conclusions
The novel, resulting 3D full torso model can provide a more complete representation of patient geometry to be incorporated in surgical simulators under development that aim at predicting the effect of scoliosis surgery on the external appearance of the patientâs torso.Canadian Institute for Health and Research (CIHR
3D registration of MR and X-ray spine images using an articulated model
Présentation:
Cet article a Ă©tĂ© publiĂ© dans le journal : Computerised medical imaging and graphics (CMIG). Le but de cet article est de recaler les vertĂšbres extraites Ă partir dâimages RM avec des vertĂšbres extraites Ă partir dâimages RX pour des patients scoliotiques, en tenant compte des dĂ©formations non-rigides due au changement de posture entre ces deux modalitĂ©s. Ă ces fins, une mĂ©thode de recalage Ă lâaide dâun modĂšle articulĂ© est proposĂ©e. Cette mĂ©thode a Ă©tĂ© comparĂ©e avec un recalage rigide en calculant lâerreur sur des points de repĂšre, ainsi quâen calculant la diffĂ©rence entre lâangle de Cobb avant et aprĂšs recalage. Une validation additionelle de la mĂ©thode de recalage prĂ©sentĂ©e ici se trouve dans lâannexe A. Ce travail servira de premiĂšre Ă©tape dans la fusion des images RM, RX et TP du tronc complet. Donc, cet article vĂ©rifie lâhypothĂšse 1 dĂ©crite dans la section 3.2.1.Abstract
This paper presents a magnetic resonance image (MRI)/X-ray spine registration method that compensates for the change in the curvature of the spine between standing and prone positions for scoliotic patients. MRIs in prone position and X-rays in standing position are acquired for 14 patients with scoliosis. The 3D reconstructions of the spine are then aligned using an articulated model which calculates intervertebral transformations. Results show significant decrease in regis- tration error when the proposed articulated model is compared with rigid registration. The method can be used as a basis for full body MRI/X-ray registration incorporating soft tissues for surgical simulation.Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR
Smooth representation of thin shells and volume structures for isogeometric analysis
The purpose of this study is to develop self-contained methods for obtaining smooth meshes which are compatible with isogeometric analysis (IGA). The study contains three main parts. We start by developing a better understanding of shapes and splines through the study of an image-related problem. Then we proceed towards obtaining smooth volumetric meshes of the given voxel-based images. Finally, we treat the smoothness issue on the multi-patch domains with C1 coupling. Following are the highlights of each part.
First, we present a B-spline convolution method for boundary representation of voxel-based images. We adopt the filtering technique to compute the B-spline coefficients and gradients of the images effectively. We then implement the B-spline convolution for developing a non-rigid images registration method. The proposed method is in some sense of âisoparametricâ, for which all the computation is done within the B-splines framework. Particularly, updating the images by using B-spline composition promote smooth transformation map between the images. We show the possible medical applications of our method by applying it for registration of brain images.
Secondly, we develop a self-contained volumetric parametrization method based on the B-splines boundary representation. We aim to convert a given voxel-based data to a matching C1 representation with hierarchical cubic splines. The concept of the osculating circle is employed to enhance the geometric approximation, where it is done by a single template and linear transformations (scaling, translations, and rotations) without the need for solving an optimization problem. Moreover, we use the Laplacian smoothing and refinement techniques to avoid irregular meshes and to improve mesh quality. We show with several examples that the method is capable of handling complex 2D and 3D configurations. In particular, we parametrize the 3D Stanford bunny which contains irregular shapes and voids.
Finally, we propose the BÂŽezier ordinates approach and splines approach for C1 coupling. In the first approach, the new basis functions are defined in terms of the BÂŽezier Bernstein polynomials. For the second approach, the new basis is defined as a linear combination of C0 basis functions. The methods are not limited to planar or bilinear mappings. They allow the modeling of solutions to fourth order partial differential equations (PDEs) on complex geometric domains, provided that the given patches are G1
continuous. Both methods have their advantages. In particular, the BÂŽezier approach offer more degree of freedoms, while the spline approach is more computationally efficient. In addition, we proposed partial degree elevation to overcome the C1-locking issue caused by the over constraining of the solution space. We demonstrate the potential of the resulting C1 basis functions for application in IGA which involve fourth order PDEs such as those appearing in Kirchhoff-Love shell models, Cahn-Hilliard phase field application, and biharmonic problems
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