Ultrasonic Imaging Needle Tip Visibility via Differential Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in providing clear visibility of the needle-tip portion of a puncture needle due to poor differentiation from the background image, leading to uncertainties in precise positioning during procedures like biopsies and ablation therapies.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs an image generation control unit to adjust transmitting and receiving conditions, generating differential and composite images that enhance the visibility of the needle-tip portion by differentiating it from the surrounding tissue, allowing for precise recognition of the needle's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real time three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging is used to monitor puncture needle position, then the ability to obtain needle position information in slice direction is improved, but the visibility of needle-tip portion deteriorates due to background image interference
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic scanning is divided into two distinct modes: a first scanning mode that captures images including the needle-tip portion, and a second scanning mode that captures background images without the needle-tip. This segmentation allows separate optimization of each scanning mode for its specific purpose, resolving the contradiction between obtaining comprehensive position information and maintaining needle-tip visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The background image information is extracted and processed separately from the needle-tip portion information. By generating a differential image that represents only the background and subtracting it from the composite image, the needle-tip portion is isolated and highlighted, eliminating background interference while preserving position information.
2Illumination intensity
If image processing filters such as edge reinforcement are used to increase needle-tip visibility, then the visibility is improved, but the separation of only the needle-tip portion becomes difficult and substantial portions are influenced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different scanning modes and image processing techniques based on the operational requirements. The transmitting/receiving conditions are adjusted to alternately capture needle-tip information and background information, allowing optimal visibility and precision at different stages of the imaging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving parameters are changed between two sets: first parameters optimized for capturing needle-tip reflections, and second parameters optimized for capturing background tissue images. This parameter switching enables the system to achieve both high needle-tip visibility and accurate separation by processing images from different parameter states.
3Speed
If conventional ultrasonic scanning is used, then the imaging speed is maintained, but the operator burden increases due to poor needle-tip visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs periodic switching between first ultrasonic scanning (for needle-tip detection) and second ultrasonic scanning (for background imaging). This periodic action allows the generation of differential images that highlight the needle-tip portion while maintaining real-time imaging capability, thereby reducing operator burden without sacrificing imaging speed.
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 enables operators to easily visualize and accurately position the needle-tip portion, improving the effectiveness and precision of therapeutic interventions by clearly distinguishing the needle from the surrounding tissue in real-time three-dimensional scans.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that noninvasively obtains tomograms of a soft tissue in a living body from a body surface using an ultrasonic pulse-echo method
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus employs an image generation control unit to adjust transmitting and receiving conditions, generating differential and composite images that enhance the visibility of the needle-tip portion by differentiating it from the surrounding tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has an ultrasonic probe, a control unit, a basic image generating unit, a differential image generating unit, and a composite image generating unit. The control unit controls the ultrasonic probe so as to sequentially perform, every scanning line of scanning lines in a scanning region, a transmitting and receiving under a first transmitting/receiving condition, a second transmitting/receiving condition, and a third transmitting/receiving condition. The basic image generating unit generates a first image based on the first transmitting/receiving condition, a second image based on the second transmitting/receiving condition, and a third image based on the third transmitting/receiving condition. The differential image generating unit performs a differential processing based on the first image and the second image to generate a differential image. The composite image generating unit performs a composite processing based on the differential image and the third image to generate a composite image.