3D Ultrasonic Imaging for Invasive Device Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic diagnostic imaging techniques provide limited, restricted views, hindering the precise guidance and operation of invasive medical devices during procedures such as biopsies, stent placement, and other interventional procedures, as they offer only a single image plane, which restricts the clinician's ability to navigate and visualize the device's movement within the body.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging systems that consolidate data from both ultrasonic and interventional systems, allowing for detailed, real-time visualization and recording of invasive device locations within a volumetric field, enabling enhanced precision and a broader field of view for procedural guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If planar ultrasonic imaging is used, then the imaging system is simple and easy to operate, but the field of view is restricted and provides only a single image plane view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar ultrasonic imaging to three-dimensional volumetric imaging by adding a temporal dimension through rapid sequential imaging. The system captures multiple image planes at different depths and combines them to create a comprehensive 3D representation, enabling the clinician to navigate through the volumetric data and obtain a complete field of view while maintaining ease of operation through automated image reconstruction algorithms.
2Device complexity
If planar ultrasonic imaging is used, then the imaging system is simple, but it provides limited visualization for guiding invasive devices through the body
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds depth information by capturing multiple image planes at different z-positions and reconstructing them into a 3D volumetric dataset. This enables visualization of invasive devices throughout their entire path through the body, providing complete procedural guidance information including device tip location, tissue interaction, and navigation through anatomical structures, all while maintaining relatively simple hardware through automated image acquisition and reconstruction.
3Area of stationary object
If three dimensional ultrasonic imaging is implemented, then comprehensive visualization and field of view are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the volumetric imaging task into multiple sequential two-dimensional image acquisitions at different depths. Each individual image plane can be processed independently using standard ultrasonic imaging algorithms, and then the results are automatically assembled into a 3D representation. This segmentation approach enables comprehensive volumetric visualization while keeping individual processing steps relatively simple and avoiding the need for entirely new complex imaging hardware.
4Measurement precision
If three dimensional ultrasonic imaging is used, then the clinician can better navigate and visualize device movement, but the imaging acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs rapid sequential acquisition of multiple image planes at different depths in continuous succession, maintaining continuous imaging coverage during the invasive procedure. By acquiring images at high frame rates and automatically reconstructing the 3D volumetric data in real-time, the system provides continuous precise device location information without interrupting the procedure timeline, effectively eliminating the time penalty associated with 3D imaging.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides improved visualization and navigation for invasive procedures by offering a comprehensive three-dimensional view of the device's location and activity, facilitating more precise placement and operation of medical devices, thereby expanding the applicability of ultrasonic guidance across various clinical applications.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasonic imaging is commonly used to image the insertion, use or operation of medical devices and instruments within the body
Implementation Method 2
The probe is manipulated until the pathology is visible in the image plane
Implementation Method 3
Biopsy needles have been designed with their own ultrasonic transmitters or receivers which interact with the imaging probe. Such ultrasonically responsive needles allow the needle and the imaging probe to signal each other
Data Source
AI summary
A three dimensional ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is operated to guide or observe the operation of an invasive medical device (30) in three dimensions. An interventional system (20) is used to operate the invasive medical device (30) and produces spatially-based information relating to the activity of the invasive medical device (30). The spatially-based information from the interventional system (20) is merged into the three dimensional ultrasonic image data to produce a live three dimensional image of the invasive medical device (30) or its activity. In one embodiment the locations where the activity of the invasive medical device (30) is performed is recorded and displayed in the three dimensional ultrasonic image. The three dimensional ultrasonic image may be shown as an anatomical volume rendered image or as a wire frame model (130) of the anatomy. In another embodiment an integrated three dimensional ultrasonic imaging and invasive device system is described.