Fast prostate segmentation in 3D TRUS images based on continuity constraint using an autoregressive model.

In this article a new slice-based 3D prostate segmentation method based on a continuity constraint, implemented as an autoregressive (AR) model is described. In order to decrease the propagated segmentation error produced by the slice-based 3D segmentation method, a continuity constraint was imposed in the prostate segmentation algorithm. A 3D ultrasound image was segmented using the slice-based segmentation method.

Slice-Based Prostate Segmentation in 3D US Images Using Continuity Constraint.

In the diagnosis and therapy of prostate cancer, it is critical to measure the volume of the prostate and locate its boundary. Three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound (3D TRUS) imaging has been demonstrated to be a useful technique to perform such a task. Due to image speckle as well as low contrast in ultrasound images, segmentation of the prostate in 3D US images is challenging.

Delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging predicts response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with intraventricular dyssynchrony.

Objectives: We evaluated the ability of delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI) to predict clinical response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy reduces morbidity and mortality in selected heart failure patients. However, up to 30% of patients do not have a response.

En bloc exclusion of the pulmonary vein region in the pig using off pump, beating, intra-cardiac surgery: a pilot study of minimally invasive surgery for atrial fibrillation.

Background: Off-pump, closed, beating heart, minimally-invasive surgery in patients with lone atrial fibrillation (AF) must be effective to become the preferred alternative to catheter ablation. Because of the inherent anatomical limitations of the epicardial access, we explored the feasibility of an intracardiac approach.

Methods: We report an acute study of en bloc, cryo-exclusion of the pulmonary vein region in 7 pigs.

Quantitative assessment of coronary flow reserve by the variables of time-intensity curve with myocardial contrast echocardiography.

The reliability and reliable indexes of quantitative assessment of coronary flow reserve (CFR) by using time-intensity curve (TIC) via myocardial contrast echocardiography were investigated. The TIC variables were obtained by employing acoustic densitometry (AD) technique before and after acetylcholine (Ach) injection in 12 dogs. Meanwhile, the correlation between these variables and CFR was analyzed.