Ultrasound Transducer Steering via 3D Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasound imaging systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently positioning transducer arrays due to subjective operator interpretation, patient movement, and surgical manipulations, leading to inaccurate and time-consuming adjustments during procedures like prostate biopsies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that register a region of interest in 3-D imaging data, using auto-lock and guide modes, registration, tracking, and correction algorithms to steer the transducer array or instrument, ensuring the region of interest remains in the imaging plane, leveraging 3-D imaging data and real-time ultrasound imaging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning of the transducer array is used based on operator interpretation, then the system is simple to operate, but positioning accuracy deteriorates leading to inaccurate and repeat positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computer system that acts as a mediator between the operator and the transducer array positioning. The computer executes algorithms that process imaging data and generate positioning commands, eliminating the need for direct manual positioning while maintaining system simplicity through automated guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system with an automated computer-controlled system. The computer calculates and directs transducer array positioning based on imaging data, substituting human interpretation and manual adjustment with algorithmic processing and automated control.
2Productivity
If the transducer array is repositioned manually to follow moving regions of interest, then the imaging capability is maintained, but time consumption increases due to repeated positioning adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated tracking of regions of interest through real-time processing of imaging data. The computer system continuously updates transducer array positioning based on detected movements, eliminating interruptions and repeated manual adjustments while maintaining continuous imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the computer system continuously monitors imaging data, detects region of interest movements, and automatically adjusts transducer array positioning in response. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates the need for manual repositioning by automatically responding to detected changes.
3Measurement precision
If manual rotation and sweeping of the transducer array is performed, then regions of interest can be located, but the procedure becomes time consuming and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of imaging data to pre-identify and locate regions of interest before the actual imaging procedure begins. The computer system analyzes imaging data in advance, determines optimal positioning, and prepares positioning commands, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual rotation and sweeping during the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes registering a region of interest in 3-D imaging data with an initial ultrasound image so that the region of interest is in an imaging plane of the initial ultrasound image. The method further includes acquiring a subsequent ultrasound image with a transducer array. The method further includes comparing the initial ultrasound image and the subsequent ultrasound image. The method further includes steering at least one of the transducer array or an instrument based on a result of the comparing so that at least one of the region of interest or the instrument is in the imaging plane.