PICC catheter positioning and identification device based on ultrasound guidance combined with ECG signal monitoring

Abstract

The present invention discloses a PICC catheter positioning and identification device that combines ultrasound guidance with electrocardiogram signal monitoring. The device belongs to the field of image processing and includes: an ultrasound probe for acquiring ultrasound images of blood vessels and PICC catheters during PICC catheterization; electrocardiogram electrodes for acquiring the user's electrocardiogram signals; a signal acquisition and processing unit for acquiring and processing ultrasound images and electrocardiogram signals; an image fusion display unit connected to the signal acquisition and processing unit for fusing the processed ultrasound image with the electrocardiogram waveform on the same screen to obtain fusion display information; a position recognition and alarm unit for analyzing and identifying the real-time position of the PICC catheter based on the fusion display information, and issuing an alarm when it is detected that the PICC catheter has reached the optimal position of the superior vena cava. By integrating ultrasound guidance and electrocardiogram signal monitoring into one device, a technical effect is achieved that helps nurses more accurately and quickly identify whether the PICC catheter has reached the optimal position of the superior vena cava.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of image processing, and in particular to a PICC catheter positioning and identification device combined with ultrasound guidance and electrocardiogram signal monitoring. Background Art

[0002] Intravenous port implantation technology has evolved over the past 40 years, shifting from primarily open surgical placement to puncture-based placement. Catheter positioning has evolved from relying on surface positioning and formulas to using electrocardiograms and fluoroscopy to improve catheter tip accuracy. It is generally accepted that the catheter tip should be positioned in the inferior segment of the superior vena cava, not exceeding the junction of the superior vena cava and the right atrium. Accurate positioning of the catheter tip is crucial to ensuring smooth insertion and use of PICCs. Currently, PICC positioning relies on ultrasound guidance to monitor the catheter's trajectory within the vessel in real time. However, ultrasound alone cannot accurately determine whether the catheter tip has reached the optimal position in the superior vena cava. In practice, medical personnel must use two separate instruments, ultrasound guidance and an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor, for PICC positioning. This is cumbersome and makes it difficult for non-specialized nurses to assess ECG changes after the catheter is correctly positioned. This can lead to errors during placement. For example, placement too deep, such as the tip reaching the right atrium, can cause complications such as arrhythmias and myocardial damage. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a PICC catheter positioning and identification device that combines ultrasound guidance with electrocardiogram signal monitoring, aiming to solve the technical problems in the prior art that PICC catheter positioning requires the use of ultrasound guidance equipment and electrocardiogram monitors, and that it is difficult for nurses to accurately identify whether the PICC catheter has reached the optimal position in the superior vena cava.

[0004] The ultrasound-guided PICC catheter positioning and identification device combined with electrocardiogram signal monitoring disclosed in the present application includes: an ultrasound probe for obtaining ultrasound images of blood vessels and PICC catheters during the PICC catheterization process; electrocardiogram electrodes for obtaining the user's electrocardiogram signals; a signal acquisition and processing unit connected to the ultrasound probe and the electrocardiogram electrodes, respectively, for acquiring and processing the ultrasound images and electrocardiogram signals; an image fusion display unit connected to the signal acquisition and processing unit, for displaying the processed ultrasound images and electrocardiogram waveforms on the same screen to obtain fusion display information; a position recognition alarm unit connected to the image fusion display unit, for analyzing and identifying the real-time position of the PICC catheter based on the fusion display information, and issuing an alarm prompt when it is detected that the PICC catheter has reached the optimal position of the superior vena cava.

[0005] One or more technical solutions provided in this application have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0006] The ultrasonic probe is used to obtain ultrasonic images of the blood vessels and PICC catheters during the PICC catheterization process, and to monitor the movement of the PICC catheter in the blood vessels in real time; the ECG electrode is used to obtain the user's ECG signal to provide a basis for determining the position of the catheter tip; the signal acquisition and processing unit is connected to the ultrasonic probe and ECG electrode respectively, and is used to collect and process the ultrasonic image and ECG signal to prepare for subsequent image fusion and position recognition; the image fusion display unit is connected to the signal acquisition and processing unit, and is used to fuse the processed ultrasonic image and the ECG signal waveform on the same screen to obtain fusion display information, so that medical staff can intuitively observe the catheter position and ECG signal The relationship between the two; the position identification alarm unit is connected to the image fusion display unit, and is used to analyze and identify the real-time position of the PICC catheter according to the fusion display information, and issue an alarm prompt when it is detected that the PICC catheter has reached the optimal position of the superior vena cava, so as to facilitate the nurse to confirm and fix the catheter in time. The technical solution solves the technical problem that the existing technology requires the use of ultrasound guidance equipment and electrocardiogram monitors for PICC catheter positioning, and it is difficult for nurses to accurately identify whether the PICC catheter has reached the optimal position of the superior vena cava. By integrating ultrasound guidance and electrocardiogram signal monitoring into one device, the technical effect of helping nurses to more accurately and quickly identify whether the PICC catheter has reached the optimal position of the superior vena cava is achieved.

[0007] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of a PICC catheter positioning and identification device using ultrasound guidance combined with electrocardiogram signal monitoring is provided for an embodiment of the present application;

[0009] Figure 2 A flow chart of generating a fusion image in a PICC catheter positioning and identification device using ultrasound guidance combined with electrocardiogram signal monitoring is provided for an embodiment of the present application.

[0010] Description of the reference numerals: ultrasonic probe 11 , electrocardiogram electrode 12 , signal acquisition and processing unit 13 , image fusion and display unit 14 , position recognition and alarm unit 15 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The overall idea of ​​the technical solution provided by this application is as follows:

[0012] The embodiment of the present application provides a PICC catheter positioning and identification device that combines ultrasound guidance with ECG signal monitoring. The ultrasound probe is used to obtain ultrasound images of the blood vessels and PICC catheter during the PICC catheterization process, the ECG electrodes are used to obtain the user's ECG signals, the signal acquisition and processing unit collects and processes the ultrasound images and ECG signals, the image fusion display unit fuses the processed ultrasound images with the ECG signal waveform on the same screen, and the position recognition alarm unit analyzes and identifies the real-time position of the PICC catheter based on the fusion display information, and issues an alarm when it detects that the PICC catheter has reached the optimal position in the superior vena cava.

[0013] Through the above technical solution, the technical effect of helping nurses to more accurately and quickly identify whether the PICC catheter has reached the optimal position in the superior vena cava is achieved, which simplifies the operation process and improves the accuracy of positioning.

[0014] After introducing the basic principles of the present application, the following will specifically introduce the non-limiting implementation methods of the present application in conjunction with the drawings in the specification.

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a PICC catheter positioning and identification device using ultrasound guidance combined with electrocardiogram signal monitoring, the device comprising:

[0016] The ultrasound probe 11 is used to obtain ultrasound images of the blood vessels and PICC catheter during the PICC insertion process.

[0017] Specifically, during the PICC insertion procedure, the ultrasound probe 11 is placed on the patient's skin and, utilizing the principle of ultrasound imaging, scans and captures real-time ultrasound image information of the PICC catheter and surrounding tissue structures within the patient's blood vessels. The image information is then transmitted to the signal acquisition and processing unit 13 for subsequent processing. The selection and parameter settings of the ultrasound probe 11 are appropriately adjusted based on clinical needs and patient conditions. For example, a linear array or convex array probe can be used, and the operating frequency can be selected from 7.5 to 12 MHz to balance image resolution and penetration depth.

[0018] The ultrasound image acquired by the ultrasound probe 11 clearly shows the real-time position and movement of the PICC catheter in the blood vessel, providing important image information for subsequent accurate identification of the catheter position.

[0019] The ECG electrodes 12 are used to obtain the user's ECG signals.

[0020] Specifically, the ECG electrodes 12 utilize patch or clip-on electrodes, which are attached or clamped to specific locations on the patient's chest wall skin to sense and collect the patient's surface ECG signals. The ECG electrodes 12 include three or more electrodes, positioned on the upper right, upper left, and lower left sides of the patient's chest. These electrodes are connected to the signal acquisition and processing unit 13 via lead wires, which transmit the collected weak ECG signals to the signal acquisition and processing unit 13 for amplification, filtering, and other processing.

[0021] The ECG signal obtained by the ECG electrode 12 reflects the changing pattern of the patient's cardiac electrical activity, especially the appearance and disappearance of the P wave, which is helpful for judging whether the tip of the PICC catheter has entered the superior vena cava, right atrium, etc., thereby combining with the ultrasound image information to achieve accurate identification and positioning of the PICC catheter position.

[0022] The signal acquisition and processing unit 13 is connected to the ultrasound probe and the ECG electrodes respectively, and is used to acquire and process ultrasound images and ECG signals.

[0023] Specifically, the signal acquisition and processing unit 13 contains the hardware circuits and software programs for acquiring and processing ultrasound images and ECG signals. The unit connected to the ultrasound probe 11 receives and processes the raw ultrasound images transmitted by the probe 11, performing pre-processing such as image quality enhancement. The unit connected to the ECG electrodes 12 receives and processes the raw ECG signals transmitted by the electrodes, performing pre-processing such as amplification and filtering.

[0024] The signal acquisition and processing unit 13 synchronously collects and processes the raw image and signal data collected by the ultrasound probe 11 and the ECG electrodes 12, ensuring temporal and spatial consistency of the images and signals, laying the data foundation for subsequent functions such as image fusion and catheter positioning. Simultaneously, the signal acquisition and processing unit 13 preprocesses the collected raw images and signals to improve image and signal quality, reduce noise interference, and facilitate subsequent analysis and identification.

[0025] The image fusion display unit 14 is connected to the signal acquisition and processing unit, and is used to fuse and display the processed ultrasound image and the electrocardiogram waveform on the same screen to obtain fusion display information.

[0026] Specifically, the image fusion display unit 14 contains relevant hardware circuits and software programs for image fusion and image display. It receives the ultrasound image and electrocardiogram signal from the signal acquisition and processing unit 13, synthesizes the two into a fused image, and presents the fused image on the display screen for the nurse to observe the position and status of the PICC catheter in real time.

[0027] During the operation of the image fusion display unit 14, the ECG signal is converted into an ECG waveform image. Using techniques such as image registration, image segmentation, and feature extraction, the ultrasound image and the ECG waveform image are matched and aligned in time and space to ensure that their positional relationship in the fused image is correct and synchronized. Then, using fusion algorithms such as multi-resolution fusion and alpha blending, the registered ultrasound image and the ECG waveform image are fused at the pixel level according to a certain weight ratio to generate a fused image containing information from both images. In the fused image, the ultrasound image is presented as a grayscale image, reflecting the morphological structure of the patient's blood vessels and PICC catheter; the ECG waveform image is presented as a colored curve, reflecting the periodic changes in the patient's cardiac electrical activity. Through the fused image, the real-time position and trajectory of the PICC catheter in the blood vessel, as well as the correspondence between the catheter tip and the ECG signal feature points, can be intuitively observed, thereby determining whether the catheter has reached the optimal position.

[0028] The image fusion display unit 14 generates a fusion image and presents it on the display screen in real time, providing an intuitive and reliable imaging basis for the precise positioning and real-time monitoring of the PICC catheter, and assisting nurses in accurately positioning the PICC catheter.

[0029] The position identification alarm unit 15 is connected to the image fusion display unit and is used to analyze and identify the real-time position of the PICC catheter based on the fusion display information, and issue an alarm when it is detected that the PICC catheter has reached the optimal position of the superior vena cava.

[0030] Specifically, the position recognition and alarm unit 15 receives the fused image from the image fusion display unit 14, tracks and analyzes the spatial position of the PICC catheter within the blood vessel in real time, and determines whether the catheter tip has reached the optimal position in the superior vena cava. When the catheter tip reaches the optimal position in the superior vena cava, the position recognition and alarm unit 15 triggers an alarm signal, alerting the nurse through sound and light, indicating that the PICC catheter has reached the target position and can be stopped. During the operation of the position recognition alarm unit 15, the fused image is first preprocessed, including image denoising and enhancement, to improve image quality and highlight the characteristic information of the catheter and blood vessels. Then, the pixel area of ​​the PICC catheter is extracted from the fused image through image segmentation algorithms, such as threshold segmentation, edge detection, and region growing, to obtain a binary mask image of the catheter. Next, the segmented catheter mask image is subjected to morphological analysis to extract characteristic information such as the skeleton line, center line, and endpoints of the catheter. By tracking and analyzing the shape and direction of the catheter skeleton line, it is determined whether the catheter has abnormal conditions such as bends and loops. By tracking the coordinate position of the catheter endpoint (tip) in real time and comparing it with the pre-marked optimal position area of ​​the superior vena cava, it is determined whether the catheter tip has reached the optimal position of the superior vena cava. When the coordinates of the catheter tip fall within the optimal position area, it is considered that the catheter has reached the optimal position of the superior vena cava, and the position recognition alarm unit 15 will issue an alarm signal.

[0031] Through the position recognition alarm unit 15, the fusion image is analyzed and recognized in real time, the spatial position and movement state of the PICC catheter in the blood vessel are dynamically tracked, and it is accurately determined whether the catheter tip has reached the optimal position of the superior vena cava. When the catheter reaches the target position, an alarm prompt is issued in time, helping nurses to more accurately and quickly identify whether the PICC catheter has reached the optimal position of the superior vena cava.

[0032] Furthermore, the embodiment of the present application also includes:

[0033] The signal acquisition and processing unit includes an ultrasound signal acquisition and processing module and an electrocardiogram signal acquisition and processing module;

[0034] The ultrasonic signal acquisition and processing module is used to perform image quality enhancement processing on the ultrasonic image acquired by the ultrasonic probe, including image denoising and contrast enhancement;

[0035] The ECG signal acquisition and processing module is used to amplify, filter and extract P-wave features of the ECG signals acquired by the ECG electrodes.

[0036] In one feasible embodiment, the signal acquisition and processing unit 13 includes an ultrasound signal acquisition and processing module and an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal acquisition and processing module, corresponding to the acquisition and processing of ultrasound images and ECG signals, respectively. The ultrasound signal acquisition and processing module is connected to the ultrasound probe 11 and is responsible for receiving the original ultrasound image acquired by the ultrasound probe 11 and performing image quality enhancement processing on it. Specifically, image quality enhancement processing includes image denoising and contrast enhancement. Image denoising aims to eliminate noise interference in the ultrasound image and improve the image's signal-to-noise ratio. For example, denoising algorithms such as median filtering, wavelet transform denoising, and non-local mean denoising are used to effectively suppress noise while preserving image detail information as much as possible. Contrast enhancement aims to improve the contrast and dynamic range of the ultrasound image, making the tissue structure and catheter outline in the image clearer and more prominent. For example, contrast enhancement methods such as histogram equalization, gamma correction, and the Retinex algorithm are used to adjust pixel grayscale values, stretch the image's dynamic range, and improve the image's visual effect. After image denoising and contrast enhancement processing, the quality of ultrasound images will be significantly improved, and the tissue structure and catheter contours will be clearer and sharper, laying a good image foundation for subsequent image fusion, catheter recognition and other processing.

[0037] The ECG signal acquisition and processing module is connected to the ECG electrode 12 and is responsible for receiving the original ECG signal data collected by the ECG electrode 12, and amplifying, filtering and extracting P-wave features. Since the ECG signal amplitude is very small and easily drowned by noise, the ECG signal is first amplified to increase the amplitude and dynamic range of the signal. After the ECG signal is amplified, it is filtered to remove noise such as power frequency interference and baseline drift. For example, a combination of analog filters and digital filters is used to ensure the filtering effect without introducing additional phase delay and waveform distortion. Afterwards, the ECG signal acquisition and processing module extracts the P-wave features of the filtered ECG signal to reflect the depolarization process of the atrium. Its appearance and disappearance provide a reliable physiological basis for subsequent catheter position identification.

[0038] Through the ultrasound signal acquisition and processing module and the ECG signal acquisition and processing module, the quality of ultrasound images and ECG signals is enhanced and features are extracted, noise interference is eliminated, and useful information is highlighted, laying a solid data foundation for subsequent image fusion and catheter positioning.

[0039] Furthermore, the embodiment of the present application also includes:

[0040] The image fusion display unit includes an electrocardiogram signal conversion module, an image registration module, an image fusion module and a display module;

[0041] The ECG signal conversion module is used to convert the ECG signal into an ECG waveform image;

[0042] The image registration module is used to register the pre-processed ultrasound image and the electrocardiogram waveform image;

[0043] The image fusion module is used to fuse the registered ultrasound image and the electrocardiogram waveform image to generate a fused image;

[0044] The display module is used to display the fused image and catheter parameters.

[0045] In a feasible embodiment, the image fusion display unit 14 includes an ECG signal conversion module, an image registration module, an image fusion module and a display module, which are respectively responsible for the visualization of ECG signals, the registration and fusion of ultrasound images and ECG images, and the final display output.

[0046] First, the ECG signal conversion module is responsible for converting the ECG signal data transmitted by the signal acquisition and processing unit 13 into an ECG waveform image. Since the ECG signal is a time series signal, it is converted into image data of the same format and size as the ultrasound image to facilitate fusion display with the ultrasound image. The ECG signal conversion module uses algorithms such as linear interpolation and spline interpolation to map the ECG signal amplitude values ​​to the image grayscale or color values, generating a two-dimensional image corresponding to the ECG signal waveform. Simultaneously, the ECG waveform image is smoothed and anti-aliased to improve the waveform smoothness and visual quality. Second, the image registration module is responsible for the spatiotemporal registration of the ultrasound image and the ECG waveform image. Since the ultrasound image and the ECG waveform image come from different sensors, there may be differences in acquisition time, coordinate system, and resolution. Direct fusion will result in spatiotemporal mismatch. Therefore, image registration technology is used to align the two images to the same spatiotemporal coordinate system. The image registration module uses algorithms based on mutual information and cross-correlation to optimize transformation parameters (such as translation, rotation, and scaling) to maximize the similarity between the two images, thereby achieving automatic image registration. The registered ultrasound image and ECG waveform image are fully synchronized in time and space, laying the foundation for subsequent image fusion.

[0047] Next, the image fusion module is responsible for pixel-level fusion of the registered ultrasound image and ECG waveform image to generate a fused image. Using algorithms based on multi-resolution analysis and wavelet transforms, the image fusion module extracts local and global features from the two images. Based on fusion rules (such as weighted averaging and maximum value selection), it adaptively determines the fusion coefficient for each pixel. The pixel values ​​of the two images are weighted and fused together to produce a fused image that includes both the ultrasound image and the ECG waveform. In the fused image, the ultrasound image provides morphological and structural information about the PICC catheter and blood vessels, while the ECG waveform provides physiological information about cardiac electrical activity. These two complement each other, comprehensively reflecting the catheter's spatial position and physiological status. The display module then displays the fused image and catheter parameter information generated by the image fusion module on a monitor for the nurse to observe and operate. The display module integrates the fused image, catheter tip position coordinates, ECG parameters, and other information on a single screen through a graphical user interface. It also provides necessary interactive functions such as image zooming, panning, window width and level adjustment, and distance measurement. By observing the fused image, the nurse can intuitively understand the real-time position and movement of the PICC catheter in the blood vessel. Combined with the ECG waveform and catheter parameter information, the nurse can accurately determine whether the catheter tip has reached the target position.

[0048] By converting ECG signals into images, registering and fusing ultrasound images and ECG images, and displaying integrated information, the synchronous acquisition, real-time fusion and dynamic presentation of acoustic images and electrocardiological information are achieved.

[0049] Furthermore, the embodiment of the present application also includes:

[0050] Obtaining timestamps of the ultrasound image and the electrocardiogram waveform image, and performing time axis alignment on the two images according to the timestamps;

[0051] Detect feature points in ultrasound images and ECG waveform images, and establish a feature mapping relationship between the two images;

[0052] The characteristic mapping relationship is used to register the electrocardiogram waveform image to the coordinate space of the ultrasound image to complete the registration.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the image registration module first obtains the timestamps of the ultrasound image and the ECG waveform image. The timestamp refers to the time mark at the time of image acquisition and reflects the temporal properties of the image data. By comparing the timestamps of the two images, the relative positional relationship on the time axis is determined. Based on the timestamps, the image registration module aligns the ultrasound image and the ECG waveform image on the time axis through methods such as linear interpolation and time window translation, achieving complete synchronization in the temporal dimension. Secondly, the image registration module performs feature point detection on the ultrasound image and ECG waveform image after the time axis alignment. Feature points are pixels or regions in the image with significant visual or semantic features, such as corners, edges, and patches. The image registration module uses algorithms such as Harris corner detection and SIFT feature descriptors to automatically detect feature points in the two images and extract their geometric properties such as position coordinates, scale, and orientation. Then, using a feature point matching algorithm (such as Euclidean distance matching or the RANSAC algorithm), a one-to-one mapping relationship is established between the feature points of the two images to obtain a set of paired feature point coordinates. The image registration module then uses the established feature point mapping relationship to register the ECG waveform image to the coordinate space of the ultrasound image. Specifically, the geometric transformation matrix (such as the affine transformation matrix and the perspective transformation matrix) from the ECG waveform image to the ultrasound image is calculated using the feature point coordinates. The coordinates of each pixel in the ECG waveform image are then converted to the coordinate system of the ultrasound image, achieving spatial registration of the two images. After registration, the ECG waveform image and the ultrasound image completely overlap at the pixel level.

[0054] By automatically identifying the spatiotemporal features in ultrasound images and ECG waveform images, a correspondence between the two images is established to achieve accurate image registration. The registered images are completely synchronized in time and space, providing an important prerequisite for subsequent image fusion.

[0055] Further, such as Figure 2 As shown, the embodiment of the present application also includes:

[0056] According to the local features of ultrasound images and ECG waveform images, the adaptive fusion weight of each pixel is calculated;

[0057] Decomposing the ultrasound image and the electrocardiogram waveform image into sub-images of multiple scales to obtain multiple ultrasound sub-images and multiple electrocardiogram waveform sub-images;

[0058] At each scale, the ultrasound sub-image and the ECG waveform sub-image are weightedly fused according to the adaptive fusion weight of each pixel to obtain multiple fused sub-images.

[0059] Multiple fused sub-images of different scales are combined to generate a fused image.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the image fusion module first calculates an adaptive fusion weight for each pixel based on the local features of the ultrasound image and the ECG waveform image. Local features refer to visual attributes within the neighborhood of a pixel in the image, such as gradient, orientation, and texture. The image fusion module uses metrics such as local energy, local variance, and local entropy to measure the significance of local features within the neighborhood of each pixel, using these as the fusion weight for that pixel. The fusion weight reflects the importance of the pixel in the fusion process. A larger weight indicates a more significant feature in the region where the pixel resides, and thus should be assigned a higher weight in the fusion result. Second, the image fusion module uses multiscale decomposition technology to decompose the ultrasound image and the ECG waveform image into sub-images at multiple scales. Multiscale decomposition involves decomposing an image at different scales using a set of basis functions or filters to produce a series of sub-images representing the multiscale features of the image. For example, multiscale decomposition methods such as Gaussian pyramids, Laplacian pyramids, and wavelet transforms can be used. Through multiscale decomposition, the multiscale features of the ultrasound image and the ECG waveform image are extracted separately, providing a foundation for subsequent scale-by-scale fusion.

[0061] Next, at each scale, the image fusion module performs a weighted fusion of the ultrasound sub-image and the ECG waveform sub-image based on the adaptive pixel fusion weights. Specifically, for each pixel, its grayscale or color value in the ultrasound sub-image and ECG waveform sub-image is weighted averaged according to the corresponding fusion weight to obtain the pixel value in the fused sub-image. The larger the pixel weight, the greater the influence of its pixel value on the fusion result. Through pixel-by-pixel weighted fusion, the ECG waveform curve is accurately superimposed on the corresponding spatial position while preserving the structural information of the ultrasound image, resulting in a clear and accurate fused sub-image. The image fusion module then combines the fused sub-images at each scale to generate a fused image. Because fused sub-images of different scales reflect different levels of image structure and detail, simply superimposing the images together may result in image blur or loss of detail. Therefore, the fused sub-images of different scales are merged layer by layer, preserving the clarity of the fused image while restoring as much detail as possible from the original images, resulting in a fused image with excellent visual quality and rich information.

[0062] Through pixel-by-pixel weighted fusion and layer-by-layer multi-scale combination, a clear, accurate, and information-rich fusion image is generated, which improves the registration and fusion quality of ultrasound images and electrocardiogram signals and provides nurses with an intuitive and reliable basis.

[0063] Furthermore, the embodiment of the present application also includes:

[0064] Calculating the matching degree between the registered ultrasound image and the electrocardiogram waveform image, and comparing the matching degree with a preset threshold;

[0065] If the matching degree is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, the registration is completed;

[0066] If the matching degree is less than the preset threshold, feature extraction and matching are performed again until the matching degree after registration meets the preset threshold.

[0067] In one feasible implementation, after image registration is completed, the degree of match between the registered ultrasound image and the ECG waveform image is calculated. The degree of match measures the degree of spatial overlap or similarity between the two images after the registration transformation. By calculating the degree of match, the performance of the registration algorithm and the accuracy of the registration results are quantitatively evaluated. Secondly, the calculated degree of match is compared with a preset threshold to determine whether the registration result meets the required accuracy. The preset threshold is determined based on clinical experience and experimental data and represents the minimum standard for acceptable registration accuracy. If the degree of match is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, the registration result is considered to have achieved the required accuracy for clinical application and is output as the final registration result. Conversely, if the degree of match is less than the preset threshold, the current registration result is not ideal and requires further optimization and improvement. If the degree of match does not meet the preset threshold, feature extraction and matching are repeated to obtain a more optimal registration result. This is an iterative optimization process. Each iteration extracts more or more accurate feature points based on the results of the previous iteration, establishing a more stable and reliable feature mapping relationship, thereby improving the accuracy of the registration transformation. The iterative process continues until the matching degree after registration meets the preset threshold. The iterative optimization strategy ensures the registration accuracy while improving the robustness of the registration algorithm to noise and interference, avoiding registration failures caused by local minima or outliers.

[0068] Furthermore, the embodiment of the present application also includes:

[0069] Segment the pixel area of ​​the PICC catheter from the fused image to obtain a catheter segmentation image;

[0070] The coordinate position of the PICC catheter tip in the catheter segmentation image is tracked in real time and mapped to the anatomical structure template to obtain the anatomical structure coordinates of the catheter tip as the real-time position of the PICC catheter.

[0071] In a feasible implementation, by performing catheter segmentation and tip tracking on the fused image and mapping the catheter tip position to the anatomical structure template, the spatial position coordinates of the PICC catheter in the patient's body are accurately obtained, thereby achieving real-time monitoring and precise positioning of the catheter position.

[0072] First, the pixel region of the PICC catheter is segmented from the fused image output by the image fusion module. Because the PICC catheter appears as a high-brightness linear structure in ultrasound images, with a significant contrast difference from the surrounding tissue and vessel wall, image segmentation algorithms such as threshold segmentation and edge detection are used to extract the catheter's pixel region. The segmentation result is a binary catheter segmentation image, where regions with pixel values ​​of 1 represent the catheter and regions with pixel values ​​of 0 represent the background. This catheter segmentation image accurately depicts the catheter's shape, length, and path, providing a basis for subsequent catheter tip tracking. Second, the coordinate position of the PICC catheter tip is tracked in real time within the segmented catheter image. The catheter tip refers to the location of the catheter's front end, represented by the leading edge of the region with pixel values ​​of 1 in the segmented image. To accurately locate the catheter tip, image processing algorithms such as the scan line method and morphological operators are used to search for the coordinates of the leading edge pixel along the catheter's long axis in the segmented image. Furthermore, shape features of the catheter tip, such as sharpness and curvature radius, are considered to distinguish the actual catheter tip from the leading edge of the catheter body. The coordinate position of the catheter tip is expressed as the horizontal and vertical coordinates (x, y) of the tip's center point, in pixels. By tracking the coordinates of the catheter tip in real time, the movement trajectory and relative position changes of the catheter tip in the ultrasound image plane are dynamically monitored. Afterwards, in order to obtain the true anatomical position of the PICC catheter tip in the patient's body, the image coordinates of the catheter tip are mapped to a pre-constructed anatomical structure template. The anatomical structure template is a three-dimensional model of human tissue and organs, which contains the spatial form and positional relationship of major anatomical structures such as blood vessels, heart, and lungs. The two-dimensional image coordinates of the catheter tip are aligned and mapped with the three-dimensional anatomical template to obtain the three-dimensional spatial coordinates of the catheter tip in the patient's body, reflecting the spatial positional relationship between the catheter tip and the surrounding tissues and organs, and providing a basis for judging whether the catheter has reached the target position.

[0073] By utilizing the pixel features of the catheter in the fused image, the precise coordinates of the catheter tip are obtained in real time. By mapping it with the anatomical structure template, the catheter position is marked in the real anatomical space in the patient's body, providing nurses with an intuitive and reliable means of monitoring the catheter position.

[0074] Furthermore, the embodiment of the present application also includes:

[0075] Marking the optimal position in the anatomical structure template, and setting an alarm area based on the marking result;

[0076] Comparing the anatomical coordinates of the catheter tip with the safety threshold of the alarm area to determine whether the PICC catheter tip has entered the alarm area;

[0077] If so, an abnormal signal is issued and an audible and visual alarm is activated.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the optimal position of the PICC catheter is first identified in the anatomical template. The optimal position refers to the ideal resting position of the catheter tip. A three-dimensional optimal position region is defined, centered around the optimal position and extending a certain safety distance in all directions. When the coordinates of the catheter tip fall within this region, the catheter is deemed to have reached the optimal position. Secondly, based on the optimal position region, an alarm region is set in the anatomical template. The alarm region represents a high-risk area where the catheter tip may cause complications. Once the catheter tip enters this region, it may irritate the heart, causing serious complications such as arrhythmias and cardiac tamponade, threatening the patient's life. Therefore, the boundaries of these danger zones are marked in the anatomical template, and a certain safety threshold is set. Subsequently, during the PICC insertion procedure, the anatomical coordinates of the catheter tip are compared in real time with the position of the alarm region to determine whether the catheter tip has entered the optimal position region. If so, a position-reaching notification can be issued to guide the physician to stop catheter advancement. Simultaneously, the catheter tip is determined to be approaching or entering the alarm region. If the distance between the catheter tip coordinates and the alarm region is less than the safety threshold, an abnormality signal is immediately issued to alert the nurse, preventing the catheter from advancing further into the danger zone.

[0079] In summary, the PICC catheter positioning and identification device provided by the embodiments of the present application, which combines ultrasound guidance with ECG signal monitoring, has the following technical effects:

[0080] The ultrasound probe is used to obtain ultrasound images of the blood vessels and PICC catheters during PICC placement, monitor the movement of the PICC catheter in the blood vessels in real time, and provide visual information for subsequent catheter position identification. The ECG electrode is used to obtain the user's ECG signal, collect the user's real-time ECG signal, and provide a physiological basis for determining the position of the catheter tip. The signal acquisition and processing unit is connected to the ultrasound probe and the ECG electrode respectively, and is used to collect and process the ultrasound image and ECG signal, providing high-quality data for subsequent image fusion and position identification. The image fusion display unit is connected to the signal acquisition and processing unit, and is used to fuse the processed ultrasound image and the ECG signal waveform on the same screen to obtain fusion display information, so that medical staff can intuitively observe the relationship between the catheter position and the ECG signal, which is convenient for timely determination of the catheter tip position. The position identification alarm unit is connected to the image fusion display unit and is used to analyze and identify the real-time position of the PICC catheter based on the fusion display information. When it is detected that the PICC catheter has reached the optimal position in the superior vena cava, an alarm prompt will be issued to help nurses more accurately and quickly identify whether the PICC catheter has reached the optimal position in the superior vena cava, avoid the catheter from going deeper, and improve the safety and accuracy of catheterization.

[0081] Any steps of the device described above can be stored as computer instructions or programs in an unlimited computer memory, and can be called and recognized by an unlimited computer processor to implement any device in the embodiments of the present application. No unnecessary restrictions are made here.

[0082] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the present application and its equivalents, the present application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A PICC catheter positioning and identification device using ultrasound guidance combined with ECG signal monitoring, characterized in that: include: Ultrasound probe, used to obtain ultrasound images of blood vessels and PICC catheters during PICC insertion; ECG electrodes, used to obtain the user's ECG signals; a signal acquisition and processing unit, connected to the ultrasound probe and the ECG electrodes, respectively, for acquiring and processing ultrasound images and ECG signals; An image fusion display unit, connected to the signal acquisition and processing unit, is used to fuse and display the processed ultrasound image and the electrocardiogram waveform on the same screen to obtain fusion display information; a position identification alarm unit connected to the image fusion display unit, configured to analyze and identify the real-time position of the PICC catheter based on the fusion display information, and to issue an alarm when it is detected that the PICC catheter has reached the optimal position in the superior vena cava; The image fusion display unit includes an electrocardiogram signal conversion module, an image registration module, an image fusion module and a display module; The ECG signal conversion module is used to convert the ECG signal into an ECG waveform image; The image registration module is used to register the pre-processed ultrasound image and the electrocardiogram waveform image; The image fusion module is used to fuse the registered ultrasound image and the electrocardiogram waveform image to generate a fused image; The display module is used to display the fused image and catheter parameters; The image registration module is used to register the pre-processed ultrasound image and the electrocardiogram waveform image, including: Obtaining timestamps of the ultrasound image and the electrocardiogram waveform image, and performing time axis alignment on the two images according to the timestamps; Detect feature points in ultrasound images and ECG waveform images, and establish a feature mapping relationship between the two images; Using the feature mapping relationship, the electrocardiogram waveform image is registered to the coordinate space of the ultrasound image to complete the registration; The image fusion module is used to fuse the registered ultrasound image and the electrocardiogram waveform image to generate a fused image, including: According to the local features of ultrasound images and ECG waveform images, the adaptive fusion weight of each pixel is calculated; Decomposing the ultrasound image and the electrocardiogram waveform image into sub-images of multiple scales to obtain multiple ultrasound sub-images and multiple electrocardiogram waveform sub-images; At each scale, the ultrasound sub-image and the ECG waveform sub-image are weightedly fused according to the adaptive fusion weight of each pixel to obtain multiple fused sub-images. Combine multiple fused sub-images of different scales to generate a fused image; Calculating the matching degree between the registered ultrasound image and the electrocardiogram waveform image, and comparing the matching degree with a preset threshold; If the matching degree is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, the registration is completed; If the matching degree is less than the preset threshold, feature extraction and matching are performed again until the matching degree after registration meets the preset threshold.

2. The PICC catheter positioning and identification device based on ultrasound guidance combined with ECG signal monitoring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal acquisition and processing unit includes an ultrasound signal acquisition and processing module and an electrocardiogram signal acquisition and processing module; The ultrasonic signal acquisition and processing module is used to perform image quality enhancement processing on the ultrasonic image acquired by the ultrasonic probe, including image denoising and contrast enhancement; The ECG signal acquisition and processing module is used to amplify, filter and extract P-wave features of the ECG signals acquired by the ECG electrodes.

3. The PICC catheter positioning and identification device based on ultrasound guidance combined with ECG signal monitoring according to claim 1, characterized in that: Analyzing and identifying the real-time position of the PICC catheter according to the fusion display information, including: Segment the pixel area of ​​the PICC catheter from the fused image to obtain a catheter segmentation image; The coordinate position of the PICC catheter tip in the catheter segmentation image is tracked in real time and mapped to the anatomical structure template to obtain the anatomical structure coordinates of the catheter tip as the real-time position of the PICC catheter.

4. The PICC catheter positioning and identification device based on ultrasound guidance combined with ECG signal monitoring according to claim 3, characterized in that: When it is detected that the PICC catheter reaches the optimal position, an alarm is issued, including: Marking the optimal position in the anatomical structure template, and setting an alarm area based on the marking result; Comparing the anatomical coordinates of the catheter tip with the safety threshold of the alarm area to determine whether the PICC catheter tip has entered the alarm area; If so, an abnormal signal is issued and an audible and visual alarm is activated.

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