DETECTION OF LUMEN-INTIMA INTERFACE MOTION OF PERIPHERAL ARTERY FOR MEASUREMENT OF ELASTICITY PROFILE
Laouini, F. Essafi, L.Bressollette, E.Ben Braiek
ABSTRACT
The parameters associated with vessel wall elasticity are of particular interest since they offer a possibility to separate diseased and healthy arteries. The physical and biological factors inducing the decrease of vessel wall elasticity aren’t well known. Studying the elastical properties of peripheral arteries could help us to identify some of these physical parameters. Performing a non-invasive measurement of such parameters is quite difficult. Therefore, in vivo ultrasonic measurement systems, such as the Doppler ultrasound imaging were utilized. Methods adopted were based on measurement of ultrasonic elasticity of peripheral arteries and evaluation of deformation with vessel wall pressure. The proceeding of obtained ultrasonic B-mode images consists in Semi-Automated Endoluminal Contour Detection using serval active contour segmentation methods and geometrical measurements in order to evaluate the shear stress, elastic modulus and the compliance of peripheral arteries. Results for these parameters revealed a new technique to study the decrease of vessel wall elasticity.
Keywords: Semi-automatic image processing, active contour, ultrasound imaging, arterial wall, shear stress, elastic modulus, compliance.