Classification of Red Blood Cells Using Time-Distributed Convolutional Neural Networks from Simulated Videos

Abstract

The elasticity of red blood cells (RBCs) plays a vital role in their efficient movement through blood vessels, facilitating the transportation of oxygen within the bloodstream. However, various diseases significantly impact RBC elasticity, making it an important parameter for diagnosing and monitoring health conditions. In this study, we propose a novel approach to determine RBC elasticity by analyzing video recordings and using a convolutional neural network (CNN) for classification. Due to the scarcity of available blood flow recordings, computer simulations based on a numerical model are employed to generate a substantial amount of training data. The simulation model incorporates the representation of RBCs as elastic objects within a fluid flow, allowing for a detailed understanding of their behavior. We compare the performance of different CNN architectures, including ResNet and EfficientNet, for video classification of RBC elasticity. Our results demonstrate the potential of using CNNs and simulation-based data for the accurate classification of RBC elasticity.