Automatic coronary artery detection on in situ heart images

Minimally invasive and endoscopic operations became routine in heart surgery. Unlike the conventional operating procedures these techniques cause minor lesions to the patients. The minimized incisions lead to fewer postoperative complications and a rapid recovery. However it remains difficult to operate with endoscopic instruments through a keyhole and perform a complex procedure. In cardiac surgery coronary artery bypass grafting is a standard procedure which is also performed endoscopically. The identification of the target artery is the most important and a sophisticated process directly in the beginning of the surgery. We present an intraoperative tool for the surgeon to clearly identify the arteries visible in the endoscope view.