Deep-learning based segmentation of ultrasound adipose image for liposuction.

[BACKGROUND] To develop an automatic and reliable ultrasonic visual system for robot- or computer-assisted liposuction, we examined the use of deep learning for the segmentation of adipose ultrasound images in clinical and educational settings.

[METHODS] To segment adipose layers, it is proposed to use an Attention Skip-Convolutions ResU-Net (Attention SCResU-Net) consisting of SC residual blocks, attention gates and U-Net architecture. Transfer learning is utilised to compensate for the deficiency of clinical data. The Bama pig and clinical human adipose ultrasound image datasets are utilized, respectively.

[RESULTS] The final model obtains a Dice of 99.06 ± 0.95% and an ASD of 0.19 ± 0.18 mm on clinical datasets, outperforming other methods. By fine-tuning the eight deepest layers, accurate and stable segmentation results are obtained.

[CONCLUSIONS] The new deep-learning method achieves the accurate and automatic segmentation of adipose ultrasound images in real-time, thereby enhancing the safety of liposuction and enabling novice surgeons to better control the cannula.