Interpreting Medical Imagery with NASA Technologies

Minimizing human error in interpreting and understanding medical imaging technologies has been a goal on the field for many years, but now experts say that a new NASA software might help make that a reality.

The American space agency has recently made available a new type of software, which it generally uses to enhance science image data of the Earth. The system is called MED-SEG.

Developed by Largo, Maryland-based Bartron Medical Imaging Inc., the new approach to interpreting medical images could be used in analyzing mammograms, ultrasounds, and digital X-rays, among others.

“The use of this computer-based technology could minimize human error that occurs when evaluating radiologic films and might allow for earlier detection of abnormalities within the tissues being imaged,” explains Dr. Thomas Rutherford.

The expert holds an appointment as the director of the Gynecologic Oncology department at the Yale University, in New Haven, Connecticut.

He adds that MED-SEG was only recently approved for use by the US Food and Drug Administration.

One condition that the federal agency imposed is that the new system may not be used as a tool for primary diagnosis. Its results can however be included in radiologists' reports and communications.

The Hierarchical Segmentation Software (HSE) algorithm is the very essence of the MED-SEG system. The HSE was initially developed by NASA experts at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), in Greenbelt, Maryland.

The roots of the algorithm go back at least 25 years, which is when GSFC computer engineer James C. Tilton began working on it.

Bartron became interested in the software more recently, and licensed it through the GSFC Innovative Partnerships Program Office back in 2003.

“Trained professionals can use the MED-SEG system to separate two-dimensional images into digitally related sections or regions that, after colorization, can be individually labeled by the user,” says the president and CEO of Bartron Medical Imaging, Fitz Walker.

“The MED-SEG processes the image allowing a doctor to see a lot more detail in a more quantitative way,” adds University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington Division of Gynecologic Oncology professor Dr. Molly Brewer.

“This new software could save patients a lot of money by reducing the number of costly and unnecessary tests,” she adds.

The expert already applied to start clinical trials on improving mammography with MED-SEG.