Projects / Programmes
Quantitative assesment of perifollicular vascularization and vascular network of corpus luteum in dominant follicle from natural cycle
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.05.00 |
Medical sciences |
Human reproduction |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B570 |
Biomedical sciences |
Obstetrics, gynaecology, andrology, reproduction, sexuality |
Dominant follicle; assisted reproductive techology; vascularisation; 3D analysis of echographic images; power Doppler
Researchers (12)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
In the study we will employ echographic monitoring to determine the development of the dominant follicle, its luteinization and the development of corpus luteum. We will monitor endocrinological parameters of their endocrinological activities (levels of estradiol and progesterone in serum) as well as their echographic image. 3D images will include a sample of an ovary with the dominant follicle and surrounding tissue. With a specially developed computer program and equipment we will observe the progress of neovascularization in perifollicular zone and corpus luteum. We will analyze the images of the area in perifollicular zone and with the help of power Doppler measure blood flow in small vessels. These will be quantitatively assessed and demonstrated in 3D. We will observe the changes of corpus luteum development in the natural cycle after spontaneous ovulation and after follicular aspiration due to ART procedure which can lead to damage to vascular network in perifollicular zone on account of aspiration and consequently its impaired function.
Significance for science
At least three important scientific contributions to automated image processing result from the project research. Firstly, a mathematical model for describing the follicle centre behaviour was improved using multi-resolutional scheme. The improved model reliably confirms a follicle location based on the ultrasound volume and also predicts the size of the follicle. The algorithm looks for local minima at different scales. It has been proved robust and general, and may be used in searches for any ellipsoidal objects in volumetric images. Another important recognition applies to computer reconstruction of perifollicular vascularisation. A new procedure was introduced that aimed at replacing the missing sections of reconstructed veins. The procedure deploys minimum spanning trees. It has been proved fast and robust, producing networks of veins in accordance with the expectations of medical profession. The third project’s innovation derived a two-step procedure for elastic registration of ultrasound volumes. In the first step, images are roughly aligned by using rigid registration, which allows a fast implementation in the frequency domain. The second step utilises elastic registration which derives from the ultrasound speckle noise stationarity. Both together, they represent a powerful tool for determining changes in follicles’ volumes, i.e. for monitoring ovarian follicles’ growth.
Significance for the country
A great number of potential products with high added value can be identified among results of this project. The developed system for direct analysis of follicles and perifollicular vascularisation implements a modular design. It can easily extend an ultrasonic device by additional functions through a direct link between an external computer and ultrasonic device. Thus, the performance of clinical investigations can significantly increase at lower costs, and also reduce dependability on a particular manufacturer of ultrasonic equipment. New features available as modules emerge from the project research. The most important are automated detection and processing of ovarian follicles and 3D reconstruction perifollicular network of veins. This kind of expansion modules certainly means an interesting market niche for small, high-tech companies. The work currently done manually is automated (monitoring of the ovarian follicle size changes in time), which relieves medical staff from tedious and routine duties.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2008,
2009,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2008,
2009,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
