Airway tree segmentation from CT scans using gradient-guided 3D region growing

Abstract

In this paper a new approach to CT based investigation of pulmonary airways is introduced. Especially a new - fully automated algorithm for airway tree segmentation is proposed. The algorithm is based on 3D seeded region growing. However in opposite to traditional approaches region growing is applied twice: firstly - for detecting main bronchi, secondly - for localizing low order parts of the airway tree. The growth of distal parts of the airway tree is driven by a map constructed on the basis of morphological gradient. © 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.