Deep Quasi-Recurrent Self-Attention with Dual Encoder-Decoder in Biomedical CT Image Segmentation

Developing deep learning models for accurate segmentation of biomedical CT images is challenging due to their complex structures, anatomy variations, noise, and unavailability of sufficient labeled data to train the models. There are many models in the literature, but the researchers are yet to be satisfied with their performance in analyzing biomedical Computed Tomography (CT) images. In this article, we pioneer a deep quasi-recurrent self-attention structure that works with a dual encoder-decoder. The proposed novel deep quasi-recurrent self-attention architecture evokes parameter reuse capability that offers consistency in learning and quick convergence of the model. Furthermore, the quasi-recurrent structure leverages the features acquired from the previous time points and elevates the segmentation quality. The model also efficiently addresses long-range dependencies through a selective focus on contextual information and hierarchical representation. Moreover, the dynamic and adaptive operation, incremental and efficient information processing of the deep quasi-recurrent self-attention structure leads to improved generalization across different scales and levels of abstraction. Along with the model, we innovate a new training strategy that fits with the proposed deep quasi-recurrent self-attention architecture. The model performance is evaluated on various publicly available CT scan datasets and compared with state-of-the-art models. The result shows that the proposed model outperforms them in segmentation quality and training speed. The model can assist physicians in improving the accuracy of medical diagnoses.