But this first requires the optimization of the program. What is the biggest challenge in this case?
Gama de Abreu: What works well in normal and hyperventilated areas is much more difficult in a collapsed lung because it exhibits similar Hounsfield units to those of the surrounding tissue. The delineation of the lungs solely based on Hounsfield units is not an option in the case of damaged lungs. That's why algorithms must be implemented in the software, which can make the delineation by using anatomical information.
Braune: So far, the pathophysiological, collapsed areas could only be segmented manually by experts in a very time-consuming process. In the future, the goal is to delineate them automatically using the DICOM Analyzer program. The applicable algorithms subsequently factor in typical anatomical characteristics, such as the lung boundaries consisting of the rib cage or diaphragm.
You obtained the support from your colleagues at the Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) for this programming. What exactly does this collaboration look like?
Braune: We have asked the Institute of Medical Informatics at the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg to assist us in reworking and optimizing the DICOM Analyzer program. Thanks to their extensive knowledge in medical informatics, the associates and students led by Professor Bönninger can help us to substantially improve the existing program, as well as implement additional algorithms.