V-GnNet: Voxel and Graph Node Based Network for Continuously Consistent Artery and Vein Classification in Non-contrast CT Images

Qingya Li, Ye Yuan, Lu Liu, Ziming Zhang, Wenjun Tan*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In medical imaging, especially CT scanning, accurate classification of arteries and veins is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. Existing deep learning methods, although capable of capturing arterial and venous features, often process voxel points independently and lack a holistic understanding of vascular branch structures. This limitation results in misclassifications at branch points, especially in distal branches, necessitating post-processing for correction. Traditional post-processing algorithms, such as arterial and venous density calculations or graph cut methods, can correct short intrusions but are limited in addressing long intrusions or mixed intrusions, hindering the application in complex vascular networks. To address this issue, this paper proposes V-GnNet, a fusion learning method combining voxel-based predictions and graph structure node predictions. Firstly, V-GnNet employs an iterative 3D neural network based on the UNet architecture, IterUNet3D, for preliminary classification of vascular data. IterUNet3D enhances the classification performance of arteries and veins by enriching the network's multi-level feature inputs through iterative mini-UNet3D modules. Subsequently, a special graph structure is established by extracting the vascular skeleton, integrating priori knowledge into a feature matrix, and utilizing a Graph Attention Network (GAT) for node classification of the IterUNet3D results. Finally, a voting algorithm fuses the voxel prediction results and node prediction results, ensuring consistent branch classification in artery and vein separation, therefore addressing the challenges of branch misclassification. Experimental results demonstrate that V-GnNet significantly improves the accuracy and consistency of pulmonary artery and vein classification, effectively reducing branch misjudgments and mutual intrusions, which showcases its great potential in medical image processing.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHealth Information Science - 13th International Conference, HIS 2024, Proceedings
EditorsSiuly Siuly, Chunxiao Xing, Xiaofan Li, Rui Zhou
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages105-117
Number of pages13
ISBN (Print)9789819655960
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025
Externally publishedYes
Event13th International Conference on Health Information Science, HIS 2024 - Hong kong, China
Duration: 8 Dec 202410 Dec 2024

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science
Volume15336 LNCS
ISSN (Print)0302-9743
ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

Conference

Conference13th International Conference on Health Information Science, HIS 2024
Country/TerritoryChina
CityHong kong
Period8/12/2410/12/24

Keywords

  • Artery-Vein Classification
  • CT
  • Graph Structure Node Prediction
  • Voxel Prediction

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