Ultrasound Imaging System and Methods Of Imaging Using the Same

Abstract

A method of registering the position of an object moving in a target volume in an ultrasound imaging system includes capturing a first ultrasound image of a target volume. A second ultrasound image of the target volume is then captured after the capturing of the first ultrasound image. The position of the object in the target volume is identified using differences detected between the first and second ultrasound images. In another aspect, a region of interest in the target volume is determined. A segment of an operational scan range of a transducer of the ultrasound imaging system encompassing the region of interest is determined. The transducer is focused on the segment of the operational scan range during image capture.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to imaging systems and, specifically, to an ultrasound imaging system and methods of imaging using the same. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Ultrasound-guided interventional procedures such as breast biopsies and prostate brachytherapy are well-known. Needles can be inserted into the body and either obtain a biopsy sample or deliver a dose of a selected therapy. For biopsies, it is desirable to target a specific volume when obtaining a tissue sample. Where a dose is being administered to a target volume, it is desirable to track the precise location of the needle delivering the dose in real-time to ensure that the therapy is delivered according to plan. [0003] Radioactive seeds can be used as a therapy to treat tumors in prostates. In order to ensure adequate coverage of the therapy, it is desirable to implant the seeds a pre-determined distance apart. If the distance between the seeds is too large, tissue betw...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0026] The invention enables the position of the needle to be accurately determined. By only analyzing image data that varies significantly between two ultrasound images, the needle can be readily differentiated from complex backgrounds in the ultrasound images. Further, by focusing on a segment of the operational scan range of the transducer of the ultrasound imaging system during image capture, more detailed image data can be captured around the needle to enable its position to be determined with a desired level of accuracy. This can be achieved without sacrificing the scanning speed in some cases.

Problems solved by technology

If the distance between the seeds is too large, tissue between the seeds may not receive the amount of therapy needed for the treatment.

Oblique insertion of the needle, however, can result in the needle intersecting the two-dimensional (“2D”) trans-rectal ultrasound (“TRUS”) image and appearing as a point, leading to blind guidance.

The general operation of ultrasound transducers has provided less-than-desirable image resolution in some instances.

Images