Ultrasound Probe Guidance for Transcranial Vessel Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transcranial Doppler ultrasound techniques face challenges in obtaining consistent measurements due to skull bone attenuation and variability in cerebral vessels, requiring specialized training and limiting their use in non-invasive, point-of-care settings.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that guide the acquisition of 3D color Doppler ultrasound data by using initial 2D B-mode ultrasound data to determine the location of vessels of interest within a 3D field of view, generating guidance instructions for probe manipulation, and applying convolutional neural networks for accurate vessel localization and interference reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TCD is performed by experienced operators using single element transducers, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasound system performs self-guidance through automated vessel localization using 2D B-mode imaging and 3D Doppler imaging. The system automatically determines vessel locations, generates guidance instructions for probe manipulation, and enables novice users to obtain consistent measurements without requiring extensive operator training or expertise in manual vessel tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback by displaying 2D B-mode ultrasound images and 3D Doppler images to guide probe manipulation. It automatically processes the images, identifies vessel locations, and generates guidance instructions based on the current imaging state, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to the operator's actions and guides them toward accurate vessel localization.
2Measurement precision
If 3D Doppler ultrasound data is obtained from a 3D field of view, then measurement precision is improved, but acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system first obtains initial 2D B-mode ultrasound data to preliminarily identify the location of the vessel of interest. This preliminary localization step allows the system to determine whether the vessel is within the 3D field of view before committing to a time-consuming 3D Doppler acquisition, thereby avoiding unnecessary prolonged acquisition sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasound acquisition process is segmented into distinct phases: initial 2D B-mode imaging for vessel localization, determination of vessel presence within the 3D field of view, and conditional 3D Doppler data acquisition. This segmentation allows the system to perform rapid 2D imaging first and only proceed to slower 3D Doppler imaging when necessary, optimizing the time-performance tradeoff.
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 increases the accuracy of vessel localization, allows novice users to perform transcranial Doppler ultrasound, and enables routine monitoring in settings like emergency rooms and ambulances, enhancing cerebrovascular assessment without the need for extensive training.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric transducer pivotally attached to the spherical bearing
Implementation Method 2
obtaining initial 2D B-mode ultrasound data of a cranial region of a subject
Implementation Method 3
obtaining 3D Doppler ultrasound data of the cranial region from the 3D field of view
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention provides a method for guiding the acquisition of ultrasound data within a 3D field of view. The method begins by obtaining initial 2D B-mode ultrasound data of a cranial region of a subject from a reduced field of view at a first imaging location and determining whether a vessel of interest is located within the 3D field of view based on the initial 2D B-mode ultrasound data. If the vessel of interest is not located within the 3D field of view, a guidance instruction is generated based on the initial 2D B-mode ultrasound data, wherein the guidance instruction is adapted to indicate a second imaging location to obtain further ultrasound data. If the vessel of interest is located within the 3D field of view 3D Doppler ultrasound data is obtained of the cranial region from the 3D field of view.