A multi-model deep learning approach for the identification of coronary artery calcifications within 2D coronary angiography images.

Journal: International journal of computer assisted radiology and surgery
Published Date:

Abstract

PURPOSE: Identifying and quantifying coronary artery calcification (CAC) is crucial for preoperative planning, as it helps to estimate both the complexity of the 2D coronary angiography (2DCA) procedure and the risk of developing intraoperative complications. Despite the relevance, the actual practice relies upon visual inspection of the 2DCA image frames by clinicians. This procedure is prone to inaccuracies due to the poor contrast and small size of the CAC; moreover, it is dependent on the physician's experience. To address this issue, we developed a workflow to assist clinicians in identifying CAC within 2DCA using data from 44 image acquisitions across 14 patients.

Authors

  • Edoardo De Rose
    Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Calabria, Pietro Bucci, 87036, Rende, Calabria, Italy. edoardo.derose@unical.it.
  • Ciro Benito Raggio
    Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 1, Karlsruhe, 76131, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Electronic address: ciro.raggio@kit.edu.
  • Ahmad Riccardo Rasheed
    Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy.
  • Pierangela Bruno
    Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy. Electronic address: bruno@mat.unical.it.
  • Paolo Zaffino
    Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
  • Salvatore De Rosa
    Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy.
  • Francesco Calimeri
  • Maria Francesca Spadea
    Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.