Medical image computing and computer-assisted intervention : MICCAI ... International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention, Volume 13, Issue Pt 3, 1 1 2010, Pages 367-374 A strain energy filter for 3D vessel enhancement. Xiao C, Staring M, Shamonin D, Reiber JH, Stolk J, Stoel BC

The traditional Hessian-related vessel filters often suffer from the problem of handling non-cylindrical objects. To remedy the shortcoming, we present a shape-tuned strain energy density function to measure vessel likelihood in 3D images. Based on the tensor invariants and stress-strain principle in mechanics, a new shape discriminating and vessel strength measure function is formulated. The synthetical and clinical data experiments verify the performance of our method in enhancing complex vascular structures including branches, bifurcations, and feature details.

Med Image Comput Comput Assist Interv. 2010 1;13(Pt 3):367-374