Curved Image Slice Rendering for Uterine Cavity Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound imaging techniques, particularly 2D sonography, face limitations in distinguishing uterine abnormalities and visualizing the uterine cavity due to its curved nature, which restricts the ability to obtain a complete coronal view and is operator-dependent.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically detects a curved line, such as the endometrium, in 3D ultrasound image data, defines a curved image slice, and generates a rendered view of this slice in a plane generally perpendicular to the selected plane, enhancing visualization of the uterine cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional 2D sonography is used to screen for uterine abnormalities, then the screening capability is maintained, but the ability to distinguish between different types of abnormalities is limited and operator dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic detection of the uterine cavity and automated classification of abnormalities without requiring manual operator intervention. The processor automatically identifies the curved structure representing the endometrium, defines the coronal plane, and classifies abnormalities, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating operator dependence while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms 3D ultrasound data into a specific coronal plane view by detecting the curved endometrial structure and reorienting the image data accordingly. This parameter transformation allows consistent visualization of the uterine cavity in the coronal plane, enabling reliable distinction between different abnormality types regardless of probe positioning variations
2Loss of information
If 3D ultrasound is used to reconstruct parts of the uterine cavity within the coronal plane, then more anatomical information is obtained, but the full uterine cavity cannot be illustrated because it is curved
Solution Approach 1:
The system specifically detects and follows the curved geometry of the endometrium to define the coronal plane. By adapting the image plane to match the natural curvature of the uterine cavity, the system captures the complete cavity structure including fundal regions that would be missed in traditional flat coronal sections, thereby reducing information loss while maintaining manageable system complexity
3Measurement precision
If manual selection of sectional plane in 3D image data is performed, then some uterine cavity structures are visualized, but the full cavity is not captured due to its curved nature
Solution Approach 1:
The processor automatically detects the curved endometrial structure and autonomously defines the optimal coronal plane without requiring manual operator input. The system self-adjusts to identify the fundal region and orient the imaging plane accordingly, ensuring complete and accurate documentation of the uterine cavity while eliminating manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical plane selection with automated image processing algorithms that detect the curved endometrium and calculate the appropriate coronal plane orientation. This substitution of automated computational methods for manual mechanical adjustment improves both accuracy and consistency in uterine cavity visualization
Data Source
AI summary
A processor identifies a curved structure in three-dimensional medical image data. The processor selects a plane in the three-dimensional medical image data based at least in part on the identified curved structure. The processor defines a curved image slice in the selected plane based at least in part on the identified curved structure. The curved image slice may be defined by drawing a pair of curved lines on opposite sides of the identified curved structure in the selected plane. The distance between the pair of curved lines may define a thickness of the curved image slice. The processor generates a rendered image of the defined curved image slice. The rendered image may be generally perpendicular to the selected plane. The rendered image and/or the selected plane having the pair of curved lines superimposed on opposite sides of the identified curved structure may be presented at a display system.