Abstract: This invention concerns an efficient algorithm for automatic and accurate segmentation of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). The algorithm first identifies the location of the lumen (the inner portion of aorta) and then segments it. The abdominal portion of the lumen is then found using anatomical and geometrical features. This portion of the lumen is straightened using geometrical transformation based on the smoothed centreline. The transformed lumen is then passed through a number of filters, based on geometrical, intensity, gradient and texture features, to search for the existence of the aneurysm. If aneurysm is detected, a deformable model is first initialized to the approximate borders of the aneurysm which are then refined using global and location information.

Abstract: The sheath (1) for introducing devices such as a stent or other devices, said sheath comprising several reference markers (3) along a predetermined part of said sheath (1) for in situ measuring purposes.

Abstract: A multimodality imaging phantom is disclosed which is useful for calibrating devices for imaging vascular conduits. The phantom is compatible with X-ray, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging techniques. It allows testing, calibration, and inter-modality comparative study of imaging devices, in static or dynamic flow conditions. It also provides a geometric reference for evaluation of accuracy of imaging devices. The tissue-mimicking material is preferably an agar-based solidified gel. A vessel of known desired geometry runs throughout the gel and is connected to an inlet and outlet at its extremities for generating a flow circulation in the vessel. Said phantom also contains fiducial markers detectable in the above-mentioned modalities. The markers are preferably made of glass and are embedded in a layer of agar gel containing a fat component.