An Improved Gradient Vector Flow(GVF) Snake Model for Lymphatic Ultrasonic Image Segmentation Based on Edge Flow
Junhua Zhang, Wang Yuan-yua · Hangtian yixue yu yixue gongcheng · 2006
Objective To put forward an improved gradient vector flow (GVF) snake model based on the edge flow for segmentation of medical ultrasonic images of the lymph node. Method An edge flow vector was constructed at each pixel location basing on the integration of image intensity and texture characteristics to make the edge flow vector point to the direction of potential boundary pixels. The GVF field obtained by the diffusion of the edge flow vector was regarded as the external potential force of the snake model. Then the curve propagation was guided by the improved GVF snake model. Result A semi-automatic segmentation of ultrasonic images of the lymph node was accomplished under the condition that the four marks were provided by an expert.Conclusion By the integration of the edge flow into the GVF snake model, the segmentation quality is obviously improved for low contrast ultrasonic images.