US Patent 7912260 Multi-component vessel segmentation

A method and Computer Program Product for segmenting a three-dimensional digital representation of an anatomical structure, in which a temporary replacement of intensity values is performed in a specified volume with a substitute intensity value corresponding to healthy anatomical structure. The segmentation of an outer boundary of the blood vessel is performed, before the original intensity values are restored. After restoration of the original intensity values, a thorough segmentation of the specified volume and any lesions contained therein is performed.