Learning Wavelet-Sparse FDK for 3D Cone-Beam CT Reconstruction

TL;DR

This paper proposes a wavelet-sparse neural network enhancement of the FDK algorithm for 3D CBCT reconstruction, reducing parameters significantly while maintaining image quality and computational efficiency.

Contribution

It introduces a wavelet-based sparsification technique that reduces neural network parameters by 93.75% in FDK-based reconstruction, preserving interpretability and efficiency.

Findings

Parameter reduction by 93.75% without performance loss

Maintains classical FDK computational cost

Improves robustness to noise and volumetric consistency

Abstract

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is essential in medical imaging, and the Feldkamp-Davis-Kress (FDK) algorithm is a popular choice for reconstruction due to its efficiency. However, FDK is susceptible to noise and artifacts. While recent deep learning methods offer improved image quality, they often increase computational complexity and lack the interpretability of traditional methods. In this paper, we introduce an enhanced FDK-based neural network that maintains the classical algorithm's interpretability by selectively integrating trainable elements into the cosine weighting and filtering stages. Recognizing the challenge of a large parameter space inherent in 3D CBCT data, we leverage wavelet transformations to create sparse representations of the cosine weights and filters. This strategic sparsification reduces the parameter count by $93.75\%$ without compromising performance, accelerates convergence, and importantly, maintains the inference computational cost equivalent to the classical FDK algorithm. Our method not only ensures volumetric consistency and boosts robustness to noise, but is also designed for straightforward integration into existing CT reconstruction pipelines. This presents a pragmatic enhancement that can benefit clinical applications, particularly in environments with computational limitations.