Persistent Homology as a Morphological Signature of Fibrin Networks

TL;DR

This paper applies topological data analysis to confocal microscopy images of fibrin networks in oesophageal cancer patients, exploring their structure and potential clinical implications.

Contribution

It demonstrates the use of persistent homology as a morphological signature for fibrin networks in high-resolution microscopy images.

Findings

No significant differences in fibrin network topology across perioperative period

No consistent differences between standard and intervention groups

Validates cropping method for analysis of confocal microscopy z-stacks

Abstract

We present an investigation of the applicability of topological data analysis (TDA) to the study of high-resolution confocal microscopy images of fibrin network structures from patients with oesophageal cancer undergoing intended curative surgery. Investigation of clot structure brings new knowledge about blood coagulation, risk of bleeding, and thrombosis in this group of patients. Images of fibrin network formation in the collected blood samples were captured by confocal microscopy and three-dimensional z-stacks were analysed. Each z-stack was cropped to a centre region for analysis, the validity of which is assessed in detail. Overall, we found no significant differences in fibrin network topology across the perioperative period, and no consistent differences in network structure between the standard and intervention groups.