{"id":32176,"date":"2026-07-17T14:49:49","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T12:49:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ifabfoundation.org\/?post_type=project&p=32176"},"modified":"2026-07-25T12:21:57","modified_gmt":"2026-07-25T10:21:57","slug":"lung-anatomy-reconstruction-with-deep-learning","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/www.ifabfoundation.org\/en\/project\/lung-anatomy-reconstruction-with-deep-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"Lung Anatomy Reconstruction with Deep Learning"},"content":{"rendered":"

Objectives<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Reconstruction of the entire human tracheobronchial tree starting from deep learning analysis of patient CT scans, integrated with generative algorithms for the distal portion of the airways.<\/p>\n

Initial challenge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Although 90% of AI\/ML-assisted interpretation of CT scans is for diagnostic purposes, only a very limited amount of software includes algorithms capable of generating a complete tracheobronchial tree by reconstructing the portion below the CT resolution. Of these, only a small portion involves building the missing part of the tree based on post-mortem statistical distribution \u2014 that is, generating physiologically realistic trees. An even smaller subset is open source and freely available.<\/p>\n

Solution<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Once the tool for generating the tracheobronchial tree has been tested and made available, Chiesi will integrate it into a larger project to create a digital twin of the human lung.<\/p>\n

The final goal of this tool, from the company’s perspective, is to have a high-fidelity predictive tool for therapeutic aerosol deposition, to assist in the design and optimization of new pharmaceutical products.<\/p>\n

Benefits<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The main result will be the creation of a prototype tool for reconstructing the tracheobronchial tree starting from patient CT scans.<\/p>\n

Enabling remote access to the tool prototype will have a major impact in several contexts: medical (enabling real-time diagnostics after CT scanning), safety and environment (providing lung morphologies for studying the deposition of toxic or carcinogenic aerosols), pharmaceutical (paving the way for drug studies and pharmacokinetics based on physiology).<\/p>\n

Keeping the prototype online and available will ensure the continued development of algorithms and their testing on high-performance real-world use cases.<\/p>\n

IFAB’s role<\/strong><\/h3>\n

IFAB took part in the project as a funding body, selecting it as part of its investment lines in research, innovation, and technology transfer. IFAB’s contribution consisted of recognizing the project’s scientific and practical value and providing financial support, making it possible to carry out the research activities conducted by the technical partners. This involvement confirms IFAB’s mission as an accelerator of high-impact initiatives for the local area and productive system.<\/p>\n

Partners<\/strong><\/h3>\n