Methodology for micro-CT data inflation using intravascular ultrasound images
George Rigas, Lambros S. Athanasiou, Antonis I. Sakellarios, Themis P. Exarchos, Panagiotis K. Siogkas, Katerina Κ. Naka, Daniele Panetta, Gualtiero Pelosi, Lampros K. Michalis, Oberdan Parodi, Dimitrios I. Fotiadis · 2014
In this paper, a framework for the inflation of micro-CT data using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images, is presented. The proposed methodology consists of four steps. In the first step a centerline is extracted from the micro-CT images. In the second step the micro CT images are segmented automatically using the k-means algorithm. In the third step IVUS- micro-CT images are co-registered based on fiducial markers selected manually by the experts. Finally, the images are inflated by applying a transformation method on each image. The transformation method is based on the IVUS and micro-CT contour difference. The proposed methodology for inflating micro-CT images could increase the reliability of correct plaque labeling process as well to enhance the accuracy of the produced training dataset from the micro-CT images.