Disclosed is an automated technique for analyzing the affected region due
to an embolism in an organ. A segmented image of the organ vasculature is
generated using image volume data received, for example, from a Computed
Tomography (CT) machine. An embolus is then identified (either manually
or automatically) within the segmented image, and the volume of the organ
affected by the embolism is automatically determined. The volume of the
organ affected by the embolism may be determined by computing a sub-tree
within the segmented image, where the sub-tree comprises vessels that are
distal to the identified embolus point. In one embodiment, the sub-tree
is generated by determining a plane perpendicular to a vessel at the
embolus point such that the sub-tree comprises a distal portion of the
vasculature with respect to the plane. Unwanted overlapping trees are
identified (e.g., by analyzing branch angles) and removed from the
sub-tree. The volume of the organ affected by the embolism is determined
by calculating a volume of the organ that is perfused by the sub-tree.
The affected volume may be adjusted by scaling the volume based on the
percentage occlusion of the partial embolus.