Systems and methods for ultrasound imaging
Inventors
Mauldin, Jr., Frank William • Owen, Kevin
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10679347-B2
Publication Date
2020-06-09
Expiration Date
2034-02-26
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Abstract
In some embodiments, a method comprises: obtaining a 2D ultrasound image of an imaged region of a subject, the imaged region comprising bone; identifying model template cross-sections of a 3D model of the bone corresponding to the 2D image at least in part by registering the 2D ultrasound image to the 3D model, wherein the model template cross-sections are defined prior to obtaining such 2D image, the model template cross-sections having size and shape representative of a population of potential subjects; identifying at least one location of at least one landmark feature of the bone in the 2D image based on results of the registration; and generating a visualization that includes: a visualization of the 2D image and a visualization of one of the identified cross-sections of the 3D model, wherein the visualization indicates the at least one location of the at least one landmark feature.
Core Innovation
The invention provides systems and methods for ultrasound imaging, particularly focusing on the visualization of bone within a subject. These methods process ultrasound data to improve the interpretability of bone images by calculating shadow intensity data that arises from bone-induced ultrasound shadowing and applying specific filters and separation parameters. By generating indications of both bone and tissue presence based on this shadow data, an enhanced ultrasound image is produced that distinctly delineates bone and tissue structures.
The problem addressed by the invention is that conventional ultrasound systems for bone imaging often generate artifacts from off-axis reflections and produce images that are difficult to interpret, especially for bone surfaces. Existing three-dimensional ultrasound techniques suffer from low specificity and sensitivity due to dependence on the angle of insonification, further contributing to challenges in freehand imaging and motion bias, making interpretation and landmark identification difficult.
To solve these challenges, the invention introduces methods to register two-dimensional ultrasound images to three-dimensional bone models by identifying cross-sections within those models that correspond to the acquired ultrasound images. The process includes automatically identifying anatomical landmarks based on the registration results, and generating combined visualizations of the 2D ultrasound image and the relevant cross-section of the 3D model, with landmark locations indicated. This registration enables both improved imaging clarity and anatomical referencing for clinical procedures.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover three main inventive features centered on enhanced ultrasound-based bone imaging, model registration, and visualization.
Bone filter using shadow intensity calculation
The method calculates, for each pixel in the ultrasound image, a shadow intensity value proportional to a weighted sum of image intensity values at depths greater than the respective pixel depth. This shadow intensity value is used in applying a bone filter to the ultrasound data, such as by multiplying image intensity values by the reciprocal of the shadow intensity value, to determine possible bone surface locations.
Registration of ultrasound data to predefined 3D bone model cross-sections
Possible bone surface locations identified from bone-filtered data are registered to model template cross-sections of a 3D bone model. These model template cross-sections are defined prior to obtaining the subject’s ultrasound image and are representative of a population. The method involves identifying at least one location of an anatomical landmark in the 2D image based on registration results, using comparisons or cost function-based approaches between sets of points from the image and the model.
Combined visualization of ultrasound image and anatomical model
A visualization is generated that includes both the 2D ultrasound image comprising bone and one of the identified cross-sections of the 3D bone model. The visualization indicates the location of at least one anatomical landmark feature, as determined by the registration process, and may present both the image and the corresponding anatomical reference in a combined or spatially related display.
In summary, the claims protect a comprehensive method and system for processing and visualizing ultrasound data involving bone. The inventive features include enhanced bone imaging via shadow intensity-based filtering, registration of images to predefined anatomical models, and visual output combining real and modeled anatomy with anatomical landmark identification.
Stated Advantages
Ultrasound images generated using the disclosed methods are easier to interpret due to improved bone-to-tissue contrast and/or contrast-to-noise ratio.
The visualization approach automatically identifies and presents anatomical landmarks, reducing user reliance on manual interpretation and localization.
The technology enables detection of small deformations or features in bone that are below the original resolution of the ultrasound system, improving clinical utility.
Combined 2D/3D visualization facilitates more intuitive anatomical referencing during imaging and clinical procedures.
Documented Applications
Guidance for spinal anesthesia procedures, including neuraxial anesthesia.
Guidance for orthopedic joint injections.
Performance of lumbar punctures.
Diagnosis of bone fractures.
Guidance of orthopedic surgery.
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