Method and system for automated center positioning for radial velocity mapping in vector contrast imaging

Abstract

A method 100 for generating a radial velocity map for a target region, the method comprising: (i) receiving 120 a series of ultrasound images of the target region; (ii) generating 130 a grid including a plurality of points representing the target region, each representing a possible radial center in the target region; (iii) generating 140 a radial flux magnitude map for the grid including radial contrast flux for each of the plurality of points, the radial flux magnitude map generating step 140 comprising the following steps repeated until a radial contrast flux for each of the plurality of points has been calculated: selecting 142 a point of the plurality of points as a radial center; calculating 144 a radial velocity field for a first region around the selected point; and determining 146 a radial contrast flux for the first region; and (iv) automatically selecting 150 a radial center for the series of contrast images.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure is generally directed to methods and systems for generating radial velocity maps in vector contrast imaging. [Background technology]

[0002] Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is the ultrasound imaging of tissue of interest following intravenous injection of a contrast agent containing gaseous microbubbles and / or nanobubbles. CEUS images are acquired as microbubbles of contrast agent wash in and out of a lesion or organ over the duration of the contrast bolus. The dynamic wash-in and washout patterns exhibited by the lesion or organ of interest are then utilized to characterize the lesion or disease.

[0003]

[0003] Vector contrast imaging (VCI) has recently emerged as a groundbreaking technique for visualizing and quantifying the motion and velocity of microbubbles as vectors (with both magnitude and direction) for more confident analysis and diagnosis. Various features are available for mapping and visualizing bubbles using VCI, including velocity magnitude, velocity direction, and radial velocity relative to a given radial center. For easy visualization of vascularity, a temporal accumulation display is often utilized, where the location and / or velocity of contrast microbubbles perfusing a lesion or organ on each frame are accumulated across all selected frames. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, although VCI can provide a map of microbubble velocity and / or direction, this information can be difficult to interpret, especially in the context of complex filling patterns with one or more flow centers. In such situations, expressing velocity vectors in the form of radial velocities relative to a given radial center associated with a source or drain of local blood flow during a selected CEUS imaging sequence is physically meaningful and hemodynamically (i.e., ultrasound contrast dynamics) valid. Furthermore, for VCI analysis, the direction center should be determined before calculating the spatial distribution and temporal accumulation of radial velocity. Selecting the appropriate direction center can significantly affect the interpretation and understanding of VCI, and therefore the patient's condition and diagnosis. However, selecting the direction center can be highly subjective and imprecise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005]

[0005] Therefore, there remains a need for methods and systems that automatically and objectively determine a directional center for vector contrast imaging during contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Various embodiments and implementations herein are directed to methods and systems for generating a radial velocity map, including automatically determining a directional center for a region being vector contrast imaged during contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The system receives a series of contrast images of a target region of a patient visualized using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The system then generates a grid representing part or all of the target region, the grid including a plurality of points, each representing a possible radial center in the target region. The system generates a radial flux magnitude map for the grid, the grid including the radial contrast flux for each of the plurality of points. The radial flux magnitude map is generated by the following steps, which are repeated until the radial contrast flux for each of the plurality of points is calculated: (i) selecting one point from the plurality of points as a radial center; (ii) calculating the radial velocity field for a first region (e.g., a limited circular region with a predetermined radius) around the selected point for each of the series of contrast images; and (iii) determining the radial contrast flux for the first region for a single cumulative image generated from some or all of the series of contrast images. The system then uses the generated radial flux magnitude map to dynamically select a radial center for the series of contrast images, where the radial center includes one point from the plurality of points that has the maximum radial contrast flux relative to the remaining points of the plurality of points. The system then provides a user with a visualization of the selected radial center and / or the generated radial flux magnitude map via a user interface.

[0006] In general, in one aspect, there is provided a method for generating a radial velocity map for a target region, the method comprising the steps of: (i) receiving a series of contrast images of the target region visualized using contrast-enhanced ultrasound; (ii) generating a grid representing part or all of the target region, the grid including a plurality of points, each representing a possible radial center in the target region; and (iii) generating a radial flux magnitude map for the grid including a radial contrast flux for each of the plurality of points, the step of generating the radial flux magnitude map being repeated until a radial contrast flux for each of the plurality of points has been calculated: (1) selecting one point of the plurality of points as a radial center; (2) generating a radial flux magnitude map comprising the steps of: (1) calculating a radial velocity field for a first region around the selected point for each of the series of contrast images; and (3) determining the radial contrast flux for the first region for a single cumulative image generated from some or all of the series of contrast images; and (iv) automatically selecting a radial center for the series of contrast images using the generated radial flux magnitude map, wherein the radial center includes one point of the plurality of points that has the maximum radial contrast flux relative to the remaining points of the plurality of points.

[0007]

[0007] According to one embodiment, the step of determining the radial contrast flux includes determining a radial flux volume by summing the calculated radial velocity fields across all pixels in a first region for a single cumulative image generated from some or all of the series of contrast images, and dividing the determined radial flux volume by time and the area of ​​the first region.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the step of determining the radial flux volume (RFV) is performed according to the formula RFV=Σ(V r ΔS ΔT), where V r is the radial velocity field, ΔS is the area coverage of one pixel in a 2D contrast image, and ΔT is the time interval between two consecutive images in a series of contrast images. Note that ΔS is the volume of one voxel in a 3D series of contrast images.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the step of dividing the determined radial flux volume by time and the area of ​​the first region to generate the radial contrast flux (Flux) has the formula Flux=RFV / T / A, where T=ΔT·(N2−N1), where N1 is the starting image in the series of contrast images, N2 is the ending image in the series of contrast images, and A is the area of ​​the first region for 2D contrast images. Note that A is the volume of the first region for 3D contrast images.

[0010]

[0010] According to one embodiment, the points are equidistantly spaced within the grid.

[0011]

[0011] According to one embodiment, the plurality of points includes fewer than all pixels in the target region.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the density of the points in the grid is determined automatically.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of providing the selected radial center and / or the generated radial flux magnitude map via a user interface.

[0014] According to a second aspect, there is provided a system for generating a radial velocity map for a target region, the system comprising a series of contrast images of the target region visualized using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The system also includes a processor for: (i) generating a grid including a plurality of points representing part or all of the target area, each representing a possible radial center in the target area; (ii) generating a radial flux magnitude map for the grid including a radial contrast flux for each of the plurality of points, wherein generating the radial flux magnitude map includes the following steps repeated until a radial contrast flux for each of the plurality of points has been calculated: (a) selecting one point from the plurality of points as a radial center; (b) calculating a radial velocity field for a first region around the selected point for each of a series of contrast images; and (c) determining the radial contrast flux for the first region for a single cumulative image generated from some or all of the series of contrast images; and (iii) using the generated radial flux magnitude map to select a radial center for the series of contrast images, wherein the radial center includes one point from the plurality of points that has the maximum radial contrast flux relative to the remaining points of the plurality of points. The system also includes a user interface for providing the selected radial center.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the user interface further provides the generated radial flux magnitude map.

[0016]

[0016] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the above concepts and additional concepts described in more detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terms explicitly employed herein that may also appear in disclosures incorporated by reference should be given the meaning most consistent with the specific concepts disclosed herein.

[0017]

[0017] These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0018]

[0018] In the drawings, like reference numerals generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The figures illustrating features and ways of implementing various embodiments should not be construed as limiting other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a flowchart of a method for generating a radial velocity map according to one embodiment. [Figure 2]

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a radial velocity mapping system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3]

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a series of contrast-enhanced ultrasound images, each including a selected first point ("radial center") and a selected first region ("circular area") surrounding the selected first point, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A]

[0022] 10 is a radial flux map showing raw values ​​according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B]

[0023] 1 is a radial flux map showing the absolute value of the radial flux according to one embodiment; [Figure 5]

[0024] 10 is a radial flux magnitude map showing locations of maximum flux values ​​in both the inward and outward radial directions, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6]

[0025] 1 is a radial flow velocity map whose radial center is automatically determined by the location of the maximum flux value in the radial flux magnitude map, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020]

[0026] This disclosure describes various embodiments of systems and methods for automatically determining a directional center for a vector-contrast imaged region in contrast-enhanced ultrasound. More generally, the applicant has recognized and appreciated that it would be beneficial to provide a method and system for significantly improving the analysis of vector-contrast imaging. Accordingly, a radial velocity mapping system receives a series of contrast images of a target region of a patient visualized using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The system then generates a grid representing part or all of the target region, the grid including a plurality of points, each representing a possible radial center within the target region. The system generates a radial flux magnitude map for the grid, the radial contrast flux for each of the plurality of points. The radial flux magnitude map is generated by the following steps, repeated until the radial contrast flux for each of the plurality of points has been calculated: (i) selecting one of the plurality of points as a radial center; (ii) calculating the radial velocity field for a first region around the selected point for each of the series of contrast images; and (iii) determining the radial contrast flux for the first region for a single cumulative image generated from some or all of the series of contrast images. The system then uses the generated radial flux magnitude map to automatically select a radial center for the series of contrast images, the radial center including one point of the plurality of points that has a maximum radial contrast flux relative to the remainder of the plurality of points. The system then provides a user, via a user interface, a visualization of the selected radial center and / or the generated radial flux magnitude map.

[0021]

[0027] Thus, according to one embodiment, the method and system described or otherwise contemplated herein generate quantitative flow parameters for objective documentation of directional flow patterns. From the quantitative flow parameter map, the method and system identify a central location for outward flow as a source and a central location for inward flow as a sink. Furthermore, the method and system enable automatic locationing of directional centers for radial velocity imaging based on the source and / or drain in the directional flow pattern.

[0022]

[0028] According to one embodiment, the systems and methods described or otherwise contemplated herein may, in some non-limiting embodiments, be implemented as an element of a commercial product for a contrast-enhanced ultrasound method or system.

[0023]

[0029] 1 , in one embodiment, a flowchart of a method 100 for generating a radial velocity map for a target region using a radial velocity mapping system is provided. The method described with respect to the figure is provided by way of example only and should be understood as not limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The radial velocity mapping system may be any of the systems described or otherwise contemplated herein. The radial velocity mapping system may be a single system or multiple different systems.

[0024]

[0030] At step 110 of the method, a radial velocity mapping system is provided. Referring to one embodiment of radial velocity mapping system 200 shown in FIG. 2, for example, the system includes one or more of a processor 220, a memory 230, a user interface 240, a communication interface 250, and storage 260 interconnected via one or more system buses 212. It will be understood that FIG. 2 is abstract in some respects and that the actual organization of the components of system 200 may be different, or more complex, than that shown. Furthermore, radial velocity mapping system 200 may be any of the systems described or otherwise contemplated herein. Other elements and components of radial velocity mapping system 200 are disclosed and / or contemplated elsewhere herein.

[0025]

[0031] In step 120 of the method, a series of ultrasound images is received. The ultrasound images can be any images that can be utilized for the present method. According to one embodiment, a series of ultrasound images is obtained over a predetermined time period via contrast-enhanced ultrasound, in which a region of interest in a patient is imaged after the introduction of a contrast agent containing gaseous microbubbles and / or nanobubbles. The images are then collected as bubbles from the contrast agent enter and exit one or more components of the region of interest, such as a tumor or organ, among other possible components. According to one embodiment, the images are such that vector contrast imaging (VCI) can be utilized to visualize and quantify the direction and velocity of the microbubbles. Various features are available for mapping and visualizing bubbles using VCI, including velocity magnitude, velocity direction, and radial velocity relative to a predetermined radial center.

[0026]

[0032] According to one embodiment, the ultrasound device utilized to acquire the contrast-enhanced ultrasound images is a component of a radial velocity mapping system. However, according to another embodiment, the ultrasound device utilized to acquire the contrast-enhanced ultrasound images is not a component of the radial velocity mapping system; instead, the system receives images from a local or remote ultrasound system. The local or remote ultrasound system, which may or may not be a component of the radial velocity mapping system, acquires images for immediate or future analysis. Thus, the contrast-enhanced ultrasound images, before or after image processing, are either utilized immediately or stored in local or remote storage for use in further steps of the method. For immediate analysis, the system receives or acquires the images from the ultrasound device. For later analysis, the system receives or acquires the images from storage.

[0027]

[0033] In step 130 of the method, the radial velocity mapping system generates a grid representing part or all of the visualized target region and including a plurality of points in or on the grid. Each of these points is a possible radial center for the gridded target region. To perform vector contrast imaging (VCI) for a target region having one or more blood flow sources and / or drains, the direction and velocity of bubble movement are quantified or visualized relative to the radial center. The radial center can be manually determined or pre-determined, but this introduces subjectivity into the VCI analysis. Using the methods and systems described or otherwise contemplated herein, the radial velocity mapping system provides an objective method for determining the radial center. According to one embodiment, the grid is generated in the memory of the system. The points are automatically determined by the system, and the points may be randomly spaced or equidistantly spaced relative to each other within the grid.

[0028]

[0034] In step 140 of the method, the radial velocity mapping system generates a radial flux magnitude map for the generated grid. The radial flux magnitude map includes radial contrast flux for some or all of the points in the grid. The radial flux magnitude map facilitates selection of a radial center by the system. The radial flux magnitude map can be generated using a variety of mechanisms, including methods described or otherwise contemplated herein.

[0029]

[0035] According to one embodiment, the following method is utilized to generate a radial flux magnitude map, by way of non-limiting example: This method is repeated until each or all of the plurality of points intended to be utilized contains the calculated radial contrast flux.

[0030]

[0036] In step 142, one point of the plurality of points is selected as the radial center. This may be based on a random selection or on some input from either the user or the system. For example, the user may designate a temporary or permanent point in the grid to be the first radial center. As another example, the system may select the first point as the first radial center by selecting the same point each time or by randomly selecting a point. The next point selected as the second radial center may be based on the selection of the first point or may similarly be randomly or user-selected.

[0031]

[0037] In step 144, the system calculates the radial velocity field for a first region around the selected point for a series of acquired or received contrast images. According to one embodiment, the system calculates the radial velocity field for a first region around the selected point, starting with a starting image or frame N1 and ending with an ending image or frame N2. nA sequence of acquired or received contrast images may be selected that includes some or all of the images ending with .

[0032]

[0038] According to one embodiment, the region around the first selected point for which the radial velocity field is calculated can be of any shape or size. The shape and / or size of the region can be based on the generated grid, the selected point, the target region, pre-determined or pre-programmed parameters, and / or any other factors. According to one embodiment, the region is a circular area having a first diameter and with the first selected point at the center of the circle.

[0033]

[0039] 3, in one embodiment, a series of contrast-enhanced ultrasound images is provided, each including a selected first point ("radial center") and a selected first region ("circular area") surrounding the selected first point. Although shown as a circle, the first region can be any shape and size.

[0034]

[0040] The system calculates the number of frames (N1...N n ) the radial velocity field V around the radial center for each R Determine the radial velocity field V R can be calculated using any method or mechanism for determining the radial velocity field. According to one embodiment, the radial velocity field is calculated using an image cross-correlation method (i.e., block matching) for image pixel displacements or the Hungarian algorithm for microbubble pairing and tracking, although other methods are possible. According to one embodiment, the Hungarian algorithm is more accurate when tracking microbubbles across multiple frames, but is less computationally efficient than image cross-correlation-based methods. Other methods are possible. The calculated radial velocity field V Rcan be immediately available or stored in local or remote memory for later use.

[0035]

[0041] In step 146, the system determines the radial contrast flux for a first region around the selected point for a single cumulative image generated from some or all of the series of contrast images. The radial contrast flux can be determined according to a variety of methods.

[0036]

[0042] According to one embodiment for determining the radial contrast flux, the system generates a series of contrast images (N1...N n For a single accumulation image generated from some or all of the selected first regions, the calculated radial velocity fields are summed over all pixels within the selected first region, and the determined radial flux volume is divided by the time and the area of ​​the selected first region. For example, determining the radial flux volume (RFV) enclosed by the selected first region can be performed using the formula RFV=Σ(Vr·ΔS·ΔT) (Equation 1) where V r is the radial velocity field, ΔS is the area coverage of one pixel for a 2D image or the volume coverage of one voxel for a 3D image, and ΔT is the velocity field over a series of contrast images (N...N n ) is the time interval between two consecutive images in

[0037]

[0043] According to one embodiment, dividing the determined radial flux volume by the time and the area of ​​the first region to generate the radial contrast flux (Flux) is performed according to the formula: Flux=RFV / T / A (Formula 2) where T=ΔT·(N n −N1), where N1 is the starting image in the series of contrast images, and N nis the end image in the series of contrast images, and A is the area of ​​the first region for a 2D image or the volume of the first region for a 3D image.

[0038]

[0044] Steps 142, 144, and 146 are repeated for each of the plurality of points in the generated grid, after which the method loops out at step 140. For example, at decision point 148 in FIG. 1 , the system asks whether steps 142, 144, and 146 are to be repeated for an additional point in the plurality of points. If so, the system proceeds to step 142. If not, the system proceeds to step 140. Notably, however, this is only one example of a method for determining radial contrast flux. At the end of step 140, however, the system includes a radial flux magnitude map for the generated grid. The generated radial flux magnitude map may be used immediately or may be saved in local or remote storage for later use by the method.

[0039]

[0045] In step 150 of the method, the radial velocity mapping system utilizes the generated radial flux magnitude map to objectively select a radial center. According to one embodiment, the radial velocity mapping system automatically selects the radial center using the generated radial flux magnitude map. For example, the system may select a point within the plurality of points that includes the greatest radial contrast flux relative to the remaining points of the plurality of points.

[0040]

[0046] 4A and 4B, examples of radial flux magnitude maps for 2D contrast images are provided, generated using, for example, an image cross-correlation method that can be utilized to select the radial center. FIG. 4A is a radial flux map showing the original values ​​(and thus, positive and negative flux), while FIG. 4B shows the absolute values ​​of the radial flux (mL / s / cm 2 ) in a non-limiting example. The map was constructed over a 2D grid spaced every 10 pixels (0.8 mm) in both dimensions of the ROI in a contrast image of an abnormal human thyroid gland. The raw and absolute values ​​of radial flux were calculated over 200 frames (after initial contrast appearance) over a circular area with a radius of 25 pixels (2 mm). Other parameters are possible.

[0041]

[0047] According to one embodiment, a spatial distribution map of a flow parameter (such as the radial contrast flux and its magnitude in FIGS. 4A and 4B ) can be constructed to quantify the directional flow pattern. For the calculation of the radial flux, it is important to select a sufficient diameter of the radial area (as the selected first region) to maintain both low variability in the flux calculation (lower for larger circle areas) and high sensitivity of the spatial distribution (higher for smaller circle areas). It is also important to properly select the timing and length of the image sequence. These parameters can be predetermined or experimentally derived.

[0042]

[0048] According to one embodiment, the radial center in a radial velocity map represents a focal point in a complex flow pattern, and therefore, the spatial distribution map of quantitative flow parameters can be utilized for automatic selection of the radial center. As demonstrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 for a two-dimensional (2D) VCI based on an image cross-correlation method, the location of the maximum flux magnitude value in the radial flux magnitude map (FIG. 5) can be directly used as the radial center for the radial flow velocity map (FIG. 6). This is an example of automatic selection of the radial center using a quantitative flow map. Thus, FIG. 5 includes a radial flux magnitude map showing the location of the maximum flux value in both the inward radial direction and the outward radial direction. FIG. 6 includes a radial flow velocity map whose radial center is automatically determined by the location of the maximum flux value in the radial flux magnitude map.

[0043]

[0049] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the user can select the grid size and / or area per grid point, and the system automatically calculates the map, automatically locating the highest inflow / outflow points, and displaying their values. A threshold can be set to limit the algorithm to only the highest points, and therefore the largest absolute values. According to one embodiment, flux can be tied to the divergence theorem (Gauss's law). Therefore, the system alternatively calculates the divergence of the velocity vector field and uses this to calculate flux directly.

[0044]

[0050] According to one embodiment, radial flux can also be separated into "outward flux," which refers only to centrifugal flow (moving away from the center or axis), and "inward flux," which refers only to centripetal flow (moving toward the center or axis). Outward flux can be calculated using only positive radial velocities (VR>0), and inward flux can be calculated using only negative radial velocities (VR<0). Radial flux can therefore be the sum of outward and inward radial fluxes. According to one embodiment, inward and outward radial fluxes can be particularly useful for Hungarian algorithm-based VCI maps, because closely adjacent opposing flows can be separately imaged via tracking of individual microbubbles across multiple frames on such VCI maps. The radial centers in the inward, outward, and normal radial velocity maps can be determined from the location of the maximum absolute value in the inward flux map (using only VR<0), the outward flux map (using only VR>0), and the normal flux map (i.e., the map of the sum of the inward and outward flux), respectively. Many other methods are possible.

[0045]

[0051] In step 160 of the method, the system provides a report including, among other possible information, one or more of the selected radial center and the generated radial flux magnitude map. The system can provide the report to a clinician or other user via the system's user interface. The display can also include information about the patient, the contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and / or other information. Any information can be communicated to another device via wired and / or wireless communication. For example, the system can communicate information to a mobile phone, computer, laptop, wearable device, and / or other device configured to enable display and / or other communication of the report. The user interface can be any device or system that allows for communicating and / or receiving information and includes a display, mouse, and / or keyboard for receiving user commands.

[0046]

[0052] In optional step 170 of the method, the information generated by step 160 is electronically provided by the system to a clinician or other decision maker, who then uses the displayed graphics, along with the selected radial center and / or the generated radial flux magnitude map, to make patient care decisions. For example, the clinician or other decision maker can use the displayed graphics, such as a radial flow velocity map with an automatically selected radial center, to interpret blood flow in a lesion, organ, tumor, or other target area. The interpretation of blood flow is, for example, diagnostic, and can then be used to select treatment or other care options for the patient. Many other implementations are possible, such as automatically providing the information into a clinical decision support (CDS) system for later use.

[0047]

[0053] Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a schematic representation of a radial velocity mapping system 200. System 200 may be any of the systems described or otherwise contemplated herein and may include any of the components described or otherwise contemplated herein. It will be understood that Figure 2 is abstract in some respects and that the actual organization of the components of system 200 may be different and more complex than that shown.

[0048]

[0054] According to one embodiment, system 200 includes a processor 220 capable of executing instructions or otherwise processing data stored in memory 230 or storage 260, for example, to perform one or more steps of the method. For example, a computer-readable storage medium embodied in a non-transitory memory contains instructions that, when executed by the computer or processor 220, cause the computer or processor 220 to perform the steps of the method. Processor 220 may be in the form of one or more modules. Processor 220 may take any suitable form, including, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, multiple microcontrollers, a circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a single processor, or multiple processors.

[0049]

[0055] Memory 230 may take any suitable form, including non-volatile memory and / or RAM. Memory 230 includes various memories, such as, for example, L1, L2, or L3 cache, or system memory. Thus, memory 230 may include static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), or other similar memory devices. The memory may store, among other things, an operating system. RAM is used by the processor for temporary storage of data. According to one embodiment, the operating system includes code that, when executed by the processor, controls the operation of one or more components of system 200. It will be apparent that in embodiments in which the processor performs one or more of the functions described herein in hardware, software described as corresponding to such functions in other embodiments may be omitted.

[0050]

[0056] User interface 240 includes one or more devices for enabling communication with a user. A user interface can be any device or system that allows for communicating and / or receiving information and includes a display, mouse, and / or keyboard for receiving user commands. In some embodiments, user interface 240 includes a command line interface or a graphical user interface presented to a remote terminal via communications interface 250. A user interface may be co-located with one or more other components of the system or may be located remotely from the system and in communication via a wired and / or wireless communications network.

[0051]

[0057] The communication interface 250 includes one or more devices for enabling communication with other hardware devices. For example, the communication interface 250 includes a network interface card (NIC) configured to communicate according to the Ethernet protocol. Additionally, the communication interface 250 implements a TCP / IP stack for communication according to the TCP / IP protocol. Various alternative or additional hardware or configurations for the communication interface 250 will be apparent.

[0052]

[0058] Storage 260 includes one or more machine-readable storage media, such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, or similar storage media. In various embodiments, storage 260 stores instructions for execution by processor 220 or data on which processor 220 operates. For example, storage 260 stores operating system 261 for controlling various operations of system 200.

[0053]

[0059] It will be apparent that the various information described as being stored in storage 260 may additionally or alternatively be stored in memory 230. In this regard, memory 230 may also be considered to constitute a storage device, and storage 260 may be considered a memory. Various other configurations may be apparent. Furthermore, both memory 230 and storage 260 may be considered to be non-transitory machine-readable media. As used herein, the term non-transitory will be understood to exclude transient signals, but to include all forms of storage, including both volatile and non-volatile memory.

[0054]

[0060] Although system 200 is shown as including one of each described component, various components may be repeated in various embodiments. For example, processor 220 includes multiple microprocessors configured to independently perform the methods described herein, or configured to perform steps or subroutines of the methods described herein such that the multiple processors cooperate to achieve the functionality described herein. Furthermore, if one or more components of system 200 are implemented in a cloud computing system, the various hardware components may reside in separate physical systems. For example, processor 220 includes a first processor in a first server and a second processor in a second server. Many other variations and configurations are possible.

[0055]

[0061] According to one embodiment, electronic medical record system 270 is an electronic medical record database from which information about a patient, including ultrasound images obtained from / for the patient, is obtained or received. The electronic medical record database may be a local or remote database and is in direct and / or indirect communication with radial velocity mapping system 200. Thus, according to one embodiment, the radial velocity mapping system comprises electronic medical record database or system 270.

[0056]

[0062] According to one embodiment, the system includes an ultrasound device 280. The ultrasound device may be any ultrasound device capable of capturing contrast-enhanced images as described or otherwise contemplated herein. According to another embodiment, rather than including an ultrasound device, the system is simply in wireless and / or wired communication with a local or remote ultrasound device from which one or more ultrasound images are obtained or otherwise received.

[0057]

[0063] According to one embodiment, storage 260 of system 200 stores one or more algorithms, modules, and / or instructions for performing one or more functions or steps of methods described or otherwise contemplated herein. For example, the system includes, among other instructions or data, radial flux magnitude map instructions 262, radial center selection instructions 263, and / or reporting instructions 264.

[0058]

[0064] According to one embodiment, the radial flux magnitude map command 262 instructs the system to generate a radial flux magnitude map. According to one embodiment, the radial flux magnitude map includes radial contrast flux for some or all of the points in the grid. The radial flux magnitude map can be generated using various mechanisms. According to one embodiment, the system selects one point from the points in the grid as a radial center. The system then calculates the radial velocity field for a first region around the selected point for multiple series of acquired or received contrast images. The system then determines the radial contrast flux for the first region around the selected point for a single cumulative image generated from some or all of the series of contrast images.

[0059]

[0065] According to one embodiment, a radial center selection command 263 instructs the system to automatically select a radial center using the generated radial flux magnitude map. According to one embodiment, the system can select a point within the plurality of points that includes the greatest radial contrast flux relative to the remaining points of the plurality of points.

[0060]

[0066] According to one embodiment, the reporting instructions 264 instruct the system to generate and provide information to a user via a user interface, including one or more of the selected radial center, the generated radial flux magnitude map, and the radial flow velocity map with the automatically selected radial center. The display may also include information about the patient, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and / or any other information. Any information may be communicated to another device via wired and / or wireless communication. For example, the system may communicate information to a mobile phone, computer, laptop, wearable device, and / or other device configured to enable display and / or other communication of reports. The user interface may be any device or system that allows for communicating and / or receiving information and includes a display, mouse, and / or keyboard for receiving user commands.

[0061]

[0067] According to one embodiment, the radial velocity mapping system is configured to process thousands or millions of data points to generate a radial flow velocity map with an automatically selected radial center. For example, generating a radial flux magnitude map for a plurality of points in a generated grid for an image involves millions or billions of calculations. Each generated radial flux magnitude map is a new map that did not previously exist and includes millions of data points and millions or billions of calculations. Automatically selecting a radial center and then generating and displaying a radial flow velocity map with an automatically selected radial center further involves millions of additional calculations. Thus, generating and providing a radial flow velocity map with an automatically selected radial center involves a process involving a large amount of calculation and analysis that the human brain cannot accomplish in one or more lifetimes. By providing improved analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound images, the novel radial velocity mapping system and method has a significant positive impact and effect on ultrasound imaging and analysis compared to prior art systems.

[0062]

[0068] All definitions defined and used herein should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0063]

[0069] As used in this specification and claims, "one" should be understood to mean "at least one" unless expressly stated to the contrary.

[0064]

[0070] As used in this specification and claims, the phrase "and / or" should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctive in some cases and disjunctive in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be construed in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause may optionally be present, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0065]

[0071] As used in this specification and the claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" should be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., including not only at least one of several elements or lists of elements, but also two or more of them, and optionally, including additional, unlisted items. Only terms expressly stated to the contrary, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims, "consisting of," refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of several elements or lists of elements. In general, as used herein, the term "or" should only be interpreted to indicate exclusive alternatives (i.e., "one or the other, but not both") when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of."

[0066]

[0072] As used in this specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" in reference to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically set forth in the list of elements, and not excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than those elements specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to the specifically identified elements.

[0067]

[0073] Also, unless expressly stated to the contrary, in any method claimed herein that includes more than one step or action, it should be understood that the order of the method steps or actions is not necessarily limited to the order in which the method steps or actions are presented.

[0068]

[0074] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as "comprises," "includes," "carries," "has," "including," "accompanying," "holds," "consisting of," etc., are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean "including, but not limited to." Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0069]

[0075] While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily envision various other means and / or structures for performing the functions described herein and / or obtaining one or more of the results and / or advantages described herein, and each such variation and / or modification is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are exemplary, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the particular application or applications for which the inventive teachings are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are presented by way of example only, and that, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. Furthermore, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

Claims

1. 1. A method for generating a radial velocity map for a target region, the method comprising: receiving a series of contrast images of the target area visualized using contrast-enhanced ultrasound; generating a grid representing part or all of the target area, the grid including a plurality of points each representing a possible radial center within the target area; generating a radial flux magnitude map for the grid including a radial contrast flux for each of the plurality of points, the step of generating the radial flux magnitude map comprising the following steps repeated until a radial contrast flux for each of the plurality of points has been calculated: selecting one point of the plurality of points as a radial center; calculating, for each of the series of contrast images, a radial velocity field for a first region around the selected point; determining a radial contrast flux for the first region for a single cumulative image generated from some or all of the series of contrast images; generating a radial flux magnitude map having: using the generated radial flux magnitude map to automatically select a radial center for the series of contrast images, the radial center comprising one point of the plurality of points having a maximum radial contrast flux relative to the remainder of the plurality of points; generating a radial velocity map having the automatically selected radial center; A method comprising:

2. determining the radial contrast flux comprises: determining a radial flux volume by summing the calculated radial velocity fields over all pixels within the first region for a single cumulative image generated from some or all of the series of contrast images; dividing the determined radial flux volume by a time and an area of ​​the first region; 2. The method of claim 1, comprising:

3. The step of determining the radial flux volume (RFV) is performed using the formula RFV=Σ(V) ｒ ・ΔS・ΔT) where V ｒ 3. The method of claim 2, wherein σ is the radial velocity field, ΔS is the area coverage of one pixel for a 2D image or the volume coverage of one voxel for a 3D image, and ΔT is the time interval between two consecutive images in the series of contrast images.

4. Dividing the determined radial flux volume by time and the area of ​​the first region to generate a radial contrast flux (Flux) is performed using the formula Flux=RFV / T / A where T = ΔT · (N ２ -N １ ), where N １ is the starting image in the series of contrast images, and N ２ 3. The method of claim 2, wherein A is the end image in the series of contrast images and A is the area of ​​the first region for a 2D image or the volume of the first region for a 3D image.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of points are equidistantly spaced within the grid.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of points includes fewer than all pixels in the target region.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the density of the plurality of points within the grid is determined automatically.

8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing the selected radial center and / or the generated radial flux magnitude map via a user interface.

9. 1. A system for generating a radial velocity map for a target region, the system comprising: a series of contrast images of the target area visualized using contrast-enhanced ultrasound; (i) generating a grid representing part or all of the target region, the grid including a plurality of points each representing a possible radial center within the target region; and (ii) generating a radial flux magnitude map for the grid including a radial contrast flux for each of the plurality of points, wherein generating the radial flux magnitude map comprises the following steps repeated until a radial contrast flux for each of the plurality of points has been calculated: (a) selecting one point from the plurality of points as a radial center; and (b) calculating, for each of the series of contrast images, a radial velocity field for a first region around the selected point. (c) determining a radial contrast flux for the first region for a single cumulative image generated from some or all of the series of contrast images; (iii) automatically selecting a radial center for the series of contrast images using the generated radial flux magnitude map, the radial center comprising one point of the plurality of points having a maximum radial contrast flux relative to the remainder of the plurality of points; and (iv) generating a radial velocity map having the automatically selected radial center. a user interface for presenting the generated radial velocity map having the selected radial center and the automatically selected radial center; A system comprising:

10. determining the radial contrast flux comprises: determining a radial flux volume by summing the calculated radial velocity fields over all pixels within the first region for a single cumulative image generated from some or all of the series of contrast images; dividing the determined radial flux volume by a time and an area of ​​the first region; The system of claim 9 , comprising:

11. The step of determining the radial flux volume (RFV) is performed using the formula RFV=Σ(V) ｒ ・ΔS・ΔT) where Vr is the radial velocity field, ΔS is the area coverage of one pixel for a 2D image or the volume coverage of one voxel for a 3D image, and ΔT is the time interval between two consecutive images in the series of contrast images.

12. The step of dividing the determined radial flux volume by time and the area of ​​the first region to generate a radial contrast flux (Flux) is performed using the formula Flux=RFV / T / A where T = ΔT · (N ２ -N １ ), where N １ is the starting image in the series of contrast images, and N ２ 11. The system of claim 10, wherein A is the area of ​​the first region for a 2D image or the volume of the first region for a 3D image.

13. (i) the points are equidistantly spaced within the grid; or (ii) the plurality of points includes fewer than all pixels in the target region; The system of claim 9.

14. The system of claim 9 , wherein the user interface further provides the generated radial flux magnitude map.

15. 10. A computer-readable storage medium embodied in a non-transitory memory containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method of claim 1.

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