A novel 3D deep learning model to automatically demonstrate renal artery segmentation and its validation in nephron-sparing surgery

PURPOSE: Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) is a mainstream treatment for localized renal tumors. Segmental renal artery clamping (SRAC) is commonly used in NSS. Automatic and precise segmentations of renal artery trees are required to improve the workflow of SRAC in NSS. In this study, we developed a tridimensional kidney perfusion (TKP) model based on deep learning technique to automatically demonstrate renal artery segmentation, and verified the precision and feasibility during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (PN). METHODS: The TKP model was established based on convolutional neural network (CNN), and the precision was validated in porcine models. From April 2018 to January 2020, TKP model was applied in laparoscopic PN in 131 patients with T1a tumors. Demographics, perioperative variables, and data from the TKP models were assessed. Indocyanine green (ICG) with near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging was applied after clamping and dice coefficient was used to evaluate the precision of the model. RESULTS: The precision of the TKP model was validated in porcine models with the mean dice coefficient of 0.82. Laparoscopic PN was successfully performed in all cases with segmental renal artery clamping (SRAC) under TKP model’s guidance. The mean operation time was 100.8 min; the median estimated blood loss was 110 ml. The ischemic regions recorded in NIRF imaging were highly consistent with the perfusion regions in the TKP models (mean dice coefficient = 0.81). Multivariate analysis revealed that the feeding lobar artery number was strongly correlated with tumor size and contact surface area; the supplying segmental arteries number correlated with tumor size. CONCLUSIONS: Using the CNN technique, the TKP model is developed to automatically present the renal artery trees and precisely delineate the perfusion regions of different segmental arteries. The guidance of the TKP model is feasible and effective in nephron-sparing surgery.