Distraction-aware hierarchical learning for vascular structure segmentation in intravascular ultrasound images

Wenhao Zhong, Heye Zhang, Zhifan Gao, William Kongto Hau, Guang Yang, Xiujian Liu, Lin Xu

Abstract: Highlights•We propose the distraction-aware hierarchical learning (DHL) for vascular structure segmentation in IVUS images.•We propose new structural perception module to detect inconspicuous regions from fused structure features.•We explore a strategy of structural grouping to improve the efficiency of the refinement of structures.•We use new trajectory attention to solve global morphological variability.•The DHL explores for the first time the segmentation of IVUS myocardial bridges.