Ultrasound Doppler Probe Guidance for 3D Vessel Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face difficulties in accurately positioning the sampling gate or sampling marker for Doppler waveform collection due to the challenge of visualizing blood vessel orientation in three-dimensional space from two-dimensional ultrasonic images, leading to inaccuracies in blood flow velocity information.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a position detection system using a magnetic sensor or gyro/acceleration sensor to determine the three-dimensional position and angle of the ultrasonic probe, coupled with calculation and guide image generation circuits to facilitate accurate positioning of the collection range and cross-section based on blood vessel direction in three-dimensional volume data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operator manually positions the sampling gate or sampling marker based on two-dimensional ultrasonic images, then the operation can be performed with conventional equipment, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates because it is difficult to visualize blood vessel orientation in three-dimensional space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces three-dimensional position information and three-dimensional blood vessel orientation data to supplement the conventional two-dimensional ultrasonic image. By displaying guide images that show the spatial relationship between the probe position and blood vessel orientation in 3D space, the operator can accurately position the sampling gate without manually interpreting complex 2D images, thus improving positioning accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the operator adjusts the contact position and contact angle of the ultrasonic probe to achieve optimal Doppler signal, then the blood flow velocity information quality improves, but the time and complexity of the positioning process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of the optimal probe position and angle based on pre-acquired three-dimensional blood vessel orientation data. The guide image is generated in advance to indicate the optimal positioning, allowing the operator to directly position the probe according to the guide without time-consuming trial and error adjustments, thus reducing positioning time while ensuring high quality blood flow velocity information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback through the guide image display, showing the current probe position relative to the optimal position and the three-dimensional blood vessel orientation. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to quickly adjust the probe position and angle to achieve optimal Doppler signal quality, reducing the time required for positioning while maintaining high reliability of the blood flow velocity information.
3Device complexity
If conventional two-dimensional ultrasonic imaging is used for Doppler waveform collection, then the system complexity remains low, but the ability to accurately determine blood vessel direction in three-dimensional space deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus multi-functional by integrating both conventional two-dimensional imaging and three-dimensional position/orientation measurement capabilities. The same ultrasonic probe is used for both 2D imaging and 3D position sensing, and the system can switch between or combine these functions as needed, thereby maintaining low device complexity while gaining access to three-dimensional blood vessel orientation information.
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 simplifies the operation of aligning the ultrasonic probe for optimal blood flow velocity information collection, reducing errors in Doppler waveform acquisition by providing guide images that assist in aligning the probe for accurate blood flow velocity measurement.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus incorporates a position detection system using a magnetic sensor or gyro/acceleration sensor to determine the three-dimensional position and angle of the ultrasonic probe
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus incorporates a position detection system using a magnetic sensor or gyro/acceleration sensor to determine the three-dimensional position and angle of the ultrasonic probe
Implementation Method 3
an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus uses Doppler information (Doppler signals) extracted from reflected waves of ultrasound waves to generate and display a Doppler spectrum (Doppler waveform) indicating blood flow velocity information
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe, image generation circuitry, acquisition circuitry, calculation circuitry, guide image generation circuitry, and control circuitry. The ultrasonic probe transmits ultrasonic waves, and receives reflected waves. The image generation circuitry generates cross-section image data based on the reflected waves. The acquisition circuitry acquires, from volume data corresponding to three-dimensional region containing a blood vessel inside the subject, cross-section position information corresponding to the cross-section image data. The calculation circuitry calculates collection position information in the volume data based on a running direction of a blood vessel contained in the volume data, the collection position information corresponding to a position from which blood flow velocity information is collected. The guide image generation circuitry generates guide image data based on the cross-section position information and the collection position information. The control circuitry causes the guide image data to be displayed.