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From Voxels to Knowledge: A Practical Guide to the Segmentation of Complex Electron Microscopy 3D-Data
Published on: August 13, 2014
Design and validation of Segment--freely available software for cardiovascular image analysis
Einar Heiberg1, Jane Sjögren, Martin Ugander
1Department of Clinical Physiology, Lund University and Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. einar@heiberg.se
BMC Medical Imaging
|January 13, 2010
Summary
Segment is a validated, extensible cardiovascular image analysis software released in source code. This freeware enables researchers to develop custom modules, bridging image analysis and cardiovascular research for enhanced clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Medical Image Analysis
- Software Engineering
Background:
- Limited functionality and validation in commercial cardiovascular image analysis software hinders clinical studies.
- Previous freeware release was a stand-alone application, restricting extensibility for researchers.
- Extensible software can reduce development time for clinically applicable prototypes and foster collaboration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the design and validation of the Segment cardiovascular image analysis software.
- To announce the release of Segment in source code format for research purposes.
- To provide a platform for researchers to extend cardiovascular image analysis capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Developed Segment, an extensible software package for cardiovascular image analysis.
- Implemented automated segmentation, flow quantification, wall motion analysis, and viability analysis.
- Validated software functionality using a test script for accuracy and continued validity.
Main Results:
- Segment supports Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), SPECT, and PET.
- Features include DICOM loading, multi-planar display, automated left ventricle segmentation, and manual segmentation tools.
- Validation confirmed software accuracy and reliability for research applications.
Conclusions:
- Segment is a comprehensive and well-validated cardiovascular image analysis software.
- The software is freely available in source code format for research use.
- Encourages citation of original research publications when using Segment.
