3D Ultrasound Fluid Quantification via Computational Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sonographic detection of free fluid in body cavities requires trained operators to visually analyze two-dimensional images, which is inefficient and prone to errors, and does not allow for accurate quantification or monitoring of fluid volume changes over time.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing three-dimensional ultrasound imaging with automated volume acquisition and processing, where data from an ultrasound transducer is used to generate three-dimensional sonographic images, allowing for the identification and calculation of fluid volume within body cavities using techniques such as stacked crescents, spherical fill, convex hull, and triangulation processes, enabling semi-automated or fully automated fluid measurement and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-dimensional ultrasound imaging with visual analysis is used, then operator expertise and experience can be leveraged, but measurement precision and quantification capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional ultrasound imaging to three-dimensional volumetric imaging. This dimensional change enables automated volume calculation through computational algorithms while maintaining clinical utility. The 3D imaging capability allows precise quantification of fluid collections in body cavities without requiring complex manual measurements, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through automated processing.
2Productivity
If automated three-dimensional imaging is implemented, then measurement precision and quantification are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated algorithms that independently perform volume calculation without requiring operator intervention. The system automatically processes 3D ultrasound data, identifies fluid collections, and computes volumes using computational geometry algorithms. This automation dramatically improves productivity by eliminating manual measurement tasks while managing processing complexity through optimized algorithms and integrated hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement processes with automated computational algorithms. Instead of requiring operators to visually estimate and manually calculate fluid volumes from 2D images, the system uses computer-based algorithms to automatically compute 3D volumes. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated computational methods improves efficiency while managing complexity through software-based solutions.
3Reliability
If visual analysis of two-dimensional images is performed, then operator flexibility is maintained, but monitoring of fluid volume changes over time is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring of fluid volume changes through automated 3D imaging. The system can repeatedly acquire volumetric data over time and automatically compare measurements to detect changes in fluid collection size. This continuous automated monitoring improves reliability by providing consistent, repeatable measurements while reducing the time required compared to manual visual analysis, as the automated system can rapidly process multiple images without operator fatigue or variation.
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 allows for accurate and automated measurement of fluid volumes within body cavities, reducing operator dependence and enabling real-time monitoring of fluid changes, thus improving the assessment and treatment of conditions like hemorrhage and intravascular volume changes.
Implementation Method 1
data is received with an interface, the data being received from an ultrasound transducer
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention provides a method to measure fluid within a body cavity where data is received with an interface (210), the data being received from an ultrasound transducer. A three-dimensional sonographic image is generated with an image generator (220) connected to the interface (210), the three-dimensional sonographic image being generated from the data from the ultrasound transducer. The body cavity is identified in the three-dimensional sonographic image with an image processor (230) connected to the image generator (220); and, an area of fluid in the body cavity in the three-dimensional sonographic image is identified with the image processor (230). The volume of the area of fluid is calculated using the three-dimensional sonographic image and a stacked crescents process, a spherical fill process, a convex hull process, and/or a triangulation process.