Active Contours for Bolus Tracking in X-Ray Images Sequences

This paper describes a tracking method that we have developed in order to track a barium bolus in radiological images sequences. Our method combines both region tracking by the means of a deformable region model, and contour tracking by the means of active contours. It allows the tracking of a barium bolus during its descent along the oesophagus and the lower oesophageal sphincter. Thus, we are enable to realize measurements of parameters that caracterize the sphincter, such as its length an its diameter. This study takes part in a larger project, the aim of which is the improvement of the gastroesophageal reflux phenomenon understanding [2].