Filtering and segmentation of 3D angiographic data: Advances based on mathematical morphology.

In the last 20 years, 3D angiographic imaging has proven its usefulness in the context of various clinical applications. However, angiographic images are generally difficult to analyse due to their size and the complexity of the data that they represent, as well as the fact that useful information is easily corrupted by noise and artifacts. Therefore, there is an ongoing necessity to provide tools facilitating their visualisation and analysis, while vessel segmentation from such images remains a challenging task. This article presents new vessel segmentation and filtering techniques, relying on recent advances in mathematical morphology. In particular, methodological results related to spatially variant mathematical morphology and connected filtering are stated, and included in an angiographic data processing framework. These filtering and segmentation methods are evaluated on real and synthetic 3D angiographic data.

The individual experience of functioning and disability in Switzerland--patient perspective and person-centeredness in spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative, multi-center study. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to explore the aspects of functioning and disability that are relevant to individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), using a comprehensive approach based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). METHODS: Forty-nine people with SCI from early post-acute and long-term rehabilitation settings participated in nine focus groups. Five open-ended questions based on the ICF were used to initiate discussion about relevant Body Functions and Structures, Activities and Participation, Environmental and Personal Factors. The focus groups were audiotaped and the recording was transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analyses included the identification, extraction and coding of meaningful concepts from the transcribed dialogue. Concepts were coded according to established rules using ICF categories and were summarized semi-quantitatively. RESULTS: In the analysis, 1582 different concepts were identified. For coding one concept, an average of 1.4 ICF categories was used. This resulted in 2235 concept-ICF category links, 1068 in the early post-acute and 1167 in the long-term context, respectively. For the coding, 274 out of the 1454 categories contained in the ICF were used. CONCLUSION: The ICF coding showed the broad range of relevant aspects in the functioning experience of persons with SCI. Besides body limitations (especially paralysis and pain), the most relevant concepts covered mainly barriers in physical environment, assistive devices and social support, as well as the impact on everyday life regarding leisure and work. The resulting list of ICF categories can be helpful in facilitating person-centered clinical care and research.