Ultrasound Bone Imaging via Probabilistic Echo Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound systems are inadequate for effective bone imaging due to off-axis reflections, reverberations, and insufficient penetration depth, leading to poor visualization of bone surfaces and increased radiation exposure in medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held ultrasound imaging apparatus with a transducer and position tracking circuit that mitigates off-axis scattering artifacts through probabilistic model-fitting and parameterized echo data processing, providing enhanced bone surface visualization without ionizing radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional ultrasound imaging is used for bone imaging, then the procedure avoids ionizing radiation, but image quality deteriorates due to off-axis reflections, reverberations, and insufficient penetration depth
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters of ultrasound echo data processing by applying probabilistic model-fitting to transform raw echo data into accurate bone surface depth estimates. This mathematical transformation converts unreliable conventional ultrasound signals into precise measurement data, resolving the contradiction between avoiding radiation and achieving high image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between the ultrasound transducer and the final image. The probabilistic model-fitting algorithm acts as a mediator that processes raw echo data, filtering out artifacts and extracting accurate bone surface information, thereby improving visualization quality without requiring changes to the physical ultrasound imaging process
2Reliability
If fluoroscopy is used to guide spinal needle placement, then procedural success rate improves, but ionizing radiation exposure and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical/optical fluoroscopy imaging system with an ultrasound-based measurement system enhanced by probabilistic model-fitting. This substitution eliminates ionizing radiation while maintaining the ability to accurately locate bone landmarks and guide needle placement, achieving high success rates through improved signal processing rather than superior imaging hardware
3Length of stationary object
If ultrasound imaging is used at large scan depths for bone visualization, then deeper anatomical structures become accessible, but image interpretation becomes challenging due to tissue attenuation and off-axis specular reflection artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential information from deep bone structures by using probabilistic model-fitting to estimate bone surface depth. Instead of attempting to visualize the entire deep anatomical structure with all its artifacts, the system extracts the critical measurement parameter (bone depth) while filtering out attenuation and reflection artifacts, making deep structure analysis both possible and interpretable
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
The solution enables accurate, real-time imaging of bone anatomy with reduced artifacts, improving the success rate of procedures like neuroaxial anesthesia and bone trauma assessment, while minimizing radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a reflected echo in response to the energy transmitted
Implementation Method 2
transmit acoustic energy into a subject to obtain reflected echoes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An ultrasonic transducer element can configured to generate ultrasonic energy directed into tissue of a subject and configured to receive a portion of the ultrasonic energy reflected by a target located within the tissue. The ultrasonic transducer can include a surface configured to provide or receive the ultrasonic energy, the surface including an area of greater than or equal to about 4?2, or the ultrasonic transducer element can be included in an array having a spacing between at least two adjacent ultrasound elements of less than or equal to about 1/2?, and the array comprising an aperture that is at least approximately symmetrical in two axes. A three-dimensional representation of one or more of a location, shape, or orientation of at least a portion of the target can be presented via the display.