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Medical image processing using graph convolutional networks: A review

Long Liu1, Xiaobo Zhu3, Jinjing Wu1, Qianyuan Hu1, Haipo Cui1, Zhanheng Chen2, Tianying Xu2


1School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China. 2School of Anesthesiology, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China. 3College of Electronic and Information Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China.


Address correspondence to: Haipo Cui, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, NO.516, Jungong Road, Shanghai 200093, China. Tel: +86-21-55271290, E-mail: h_b_cui@163.com; Zhanheng Chen, School of Anesthesiology, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai 200433, China. Tel: +86 21 81872034, E-mail: chenzhanheng17@mails.ucas.ac.cn; Tianying Xu, School of Anesthesiology, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai 200433, China. Tel: +86 21 81872029, E-mail: xty7910@163.com.


Received July 19, 2023; Accepted September 7, 2023; Published September 30, 2023


DOI: https://doi.org/10.61189/803479emewvv


Highlights

The development history of convolutional neural networks and the transition to graph convolutional networks are introduced, as well as the evolution of network layers.

Graph convolutional networks have been widely demonstrated to be applicable in various perioperative medical image processing scenarios.

This is the first comprehensive review of the applications of graph convolutional networks in image segmentation, image reconstruction, disease prediction, lesion detection and localization, disease classification and diagnosis, and surgical interventions.

Abstract

Deep learning, especially graph convolutional networks (GCNs), has been widely applied in various scenarios. Particularly in the field of medical image processing, the research on GCNs have continued to make breakthroughs and has been successfully applied to various tasks, such as medical image segmentation, as well as disease detection, localization, classification and diagnosis. GCNs have demonstrated the capacity to autonomously learn latent disease features from vast medical image datasets. Their potential value and enhanced capabilities in prediction, analysis, and decision-making in perioperative medical imaging have become evident. In recent years, GCNs have rapidly emerged as a research focus in the realm of medical image analysis. First, this review provides a concise overview of the development from convolutional neural networks to GCNs, delineating their algorithmic foundations and network structures. Subsequently, the diverse applications of GCNs in perioperative medical image processing are extensively reviewed, including medical image segmentation, image reconstruction, disease prediction, lesion detection and localization, disease classification and diagnosis, and surgical intervention. Finally, this review discusses the prevailing challenges and offers insights into future research directions for the utilization of GCN methods in the medical field.

Keywords: Deep learning, graph convolutional networks, medical image processing, perioperative medical applications

Liu L, Zhu XB, Wu JJ, et al. Medical image processing using graph convolutional networks: A review. Perioper Precis Med. 2023 Sept;1(2):79-92. doi: 10.61189/803479emewvv. 

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