An initial investigation of radiologist eye movements in vascular imaging

R. J. Toomey; S. Hodgins; M. E. Evanoff; L. A. Rainford

doi:10.1117/12.2006777

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28 March 2013 An initial investigation of radiologist eye movements in vascular imaging

R. J. Toomey, S. Hodgins, M. E. Evanoff, L. A. Rainford

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Proceedings Volume 8673, Medical Imaging 2013: Image Perception, Observer Performance, and Technology Assessment; 86731I (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2006777
Event: SPIE Medical Imaging, 2013, Lake Buena Vista (Orlando Area), Florida, United States

Abstract

Eye tracking has been used by many researchers to try to shed light on the perceptual processes involved in medical image perception. Despite a large volume of data having been published regarding radiologist viewing patterns for static images, and more recently for stacked imaging modalities, little has been produced concerning angiographic images, which commonly have substantially different characteristics. A study was performed in which 7 expert radiologists viewed a range of digital subtraction angiograms of the peripheral vascular system. Initial results are presented. The observers were free to control the rate at which they viewed the images. Eye position data was recorded for each participant using Tobii TX300 eyetrackers. Analysis was performed in Tobii Studio software and included qualitative analysis of gaze pattern and analysis of metrics including first and total fixation duration etc. for areas of clinical interest. Early results indicate that experts briefly fixate on lesions but do not dwell in the area, rather continuing to inspect the more distal vascular segments before returning. Some individual variation was noted. Further research is required and ongoing.

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R. J. Toomey, S. Hodgins, M. E. Evanoff, and L. A. Rainford "An initial investigation of radiologist eye movements in vascular imaging", Proc. SPIE 8673, Medical Imaging 2013: Image Perception, Observer Performance, and Technology Assessment, 86731I (28 March 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2006777

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