Gradient vector flow field and fast marching based method for centerline computation of coronary arteries

Abstract

This paper develops new concept of validating centerline extraction method of coronary arteries. The approach is based on the gradient vector flow (GVF) filed of the 3D segmented coronary arteries models. It is implemented with the Gaussian based speed image. The approach was validated over 3 three-dimensional synthetic vessel models and further tested in 3 clinical coronary arteries models reconstructed from computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) in human patients. The results showed an excellent agreement between the proposed method and ground truth centerline in synthetic vessel models. Second, the proposed method was applicable in both left coronary arteries and right coronary arteries with average processing time of 25.7 min per case. In conclusion, the proposed gradient vector flow field and fast marching based method should have more routine clinical applicability.