J Comput Assist Tomogr 2008;32:485-491

Improved Speed of Bone Removal in Computed Tomographic Angiography Using Automated Targeted Morphological Separation: Method and Evaluation in Computed Tomographic Angiography of Lower Extremity Occlusive Disease

Raghav Raman, MD, Bhargav Raman, Sandy Napel, PhD, and Geoffrey D. Rubin, MD

Abstract: We developed an automated algorithm for bone removal in computed tomographic angiographic images that identifies and deletes connections between bone and vessels. Our automated algorithm is significantly faster than manual methods (2.45 minutes vs 73 minutes) and only generates about 2 small artifactual deletions per patient, mostly in the region of the ankle. Image quality was equivalent to manual methods. It shows promise as a tool for fast and accurate postprocessing of computed tomographic angiograms.