Semiautomatic 3D-segmentation of live-3D echocardiographic images

This paper presents a new segmentation tool for live-3D echocardiographic images. It is based on a discrete three-dimensional deformable model. The model deformation scheme was extended by an interactive force component which allows to take advantage of the accuracy of user driven segmentation tools. Various interaction schemes were implemented to allow for interactive correction of the deformable model´s development. By directly incorporating the user defined attractors into the deformable model, the deformation process is accelerated and model parametrization is simplified. The user can draw points and/or contours into the image data instead of adjusting model parameters. The new tool was successfully used for segmentation of both left (LV) and right ventricles (RV) from LiveSD echocardiographic images. The approach is not limited to ultrasound data and was experimentally applied to 3D-CT and MRI data as well.