Ultrasound Elastography 3D Spatial Mapping for Liver Fibrosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound elastography systems for liver fibrosis staging are cumbersome and time-consuming due to the need for multiple spatially confined measurements, which limits comprehensive evaluation and distribution pattern understanding of liver fibrosis.
Innovation Solution
An integrated ultrasound elastography system and method that localizes elastography measurement positions in three-dimensional liver anatomy using position sensing or image-based registration, enabling tracking of shear wave elastography measurements and biopsy positions for accurate fibrosis staging and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple stiffness measurements are distributed in the entire liver to have a comprehensive evaluation of fibrosis level, then the comprehensiveness of fibrosis evaluation is improved, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The liver is divided into multiple segments or regions, and stiffness measurements are distributed across these segments. This allows comprehensive evaluation of fibrosis throughout the entire liver by measuring representative points in each segment, reducing the need for exhaustive measurements while maintaining evaluation comprehensiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional B-mode imaging to three-dimensional volumetric imaging with spatial mapping. By adding the third dimension (depth/volume), the system can localize and display stiffness measurements in their true spatial context, enabling comprehensive evaluation without requiring excessive measurement points through intelligent spatial sampling.
2Loss of information
If multiple stiffness measurements are distributed in the entire liver to understand the distribution pattern of fibrosis, then the understanding of fibrosis distribution is improved, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs three-dimensional volumetric imaging and spatial mapping to visualize stiffness measurements in their anatomical context. This dimensional enhancement allows the distribution pattern of fibrosis to be understood through spatial localization and visualization, reducing the number of measurements needed compared to traditional 2D approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual three-dimensional map or copy of the liver's stiffness distribution. This digital representation allows comprehensive understanding of fibrosis patterns without requiring physical re-measurement, enabling efficient analysis and longitudinal monitoring.
3Ease of operation
If shear wave elastography measurements are spatially confined within the B-mode field of view, then the measurement process is simplified, but the ability to track and visualize measurement positions in three-dimensional space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enhances traditional 2D B-mode imaging by integrating three-dimensional spatial mapping capabilities. Measurement positions are tracked and visualized in 3D space while maintaining the simplicity of the measurement process, thus preserving ease of operation while gaining comprehensive spatial information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary spatial mapping system that connects the ultrasound transducer position with the three-dimensional anatomical space. This intermediary layer tracks transducer location and orientation, enabling automatic localization of stiffness measurements without complicating the measurement process itself.
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 efficient and accurate localization of stiffness measurement positions within the liver, correlating with biopsy locations, enabling precise fibrosis staging and longitudinal monitoring, and can be applied to other anatomical sites like the breast and prostate.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic radiation force is used to stress the liver or any other anatomical site mechanically and produce a shear wave
Implementation Method 2
produce a shear wave. The resulting tissue displacement is measured and used to estimate the elasticity of the anatomical site
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an ultrasound elastography system (10) for providing a shear wave elastography measurement result of an anatomical site (32), wherein the ultrasound signal and image processing assembly (16) is further configured to determine a location (94, 95, 96) of a shear wave elastography measurement result within the three- dimensional image (98) of the anatomical site (32) and to display the location (94, 95, 96) of a shear wave elastography measurement result to the user. Further, a corresponding method is provided.