Automated three and four-dimensional ultrasound quantification and surveillance of free fluid in body cavities and intravascular volume
Inventors
Anderson, Shane B. • Blackbourne, Lorne H. • Gusman, Mariya • Salinas, Jose
Assignees
United States Department of the Army
Publication Number
US-11123042-B2
Publication Date
2021-09-21
Expiration Date
2037-08-10
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Abstract
An embodiment of the invention provides a method to measure fluid within a body cavity where data is received with an interface (210), the data being received from an ultrasound transducer. A three-dimensional sonographic image is generated with an image generator (220) connected to the interface (210), the three-dimensional sonographic image being generated from the data from the ultrasound transducer. The body cavity is identified in the three-dimensional sonographic image with an image processor (230) connected to the image generator (220); and, an area of fluid in the body cavity in the three-dimensional sonographic image is identified with the image processor (230). The volume of the area of fluid is calculated using the three-dimensional sonographic image and a stacked crescents process, a spherical fill process, a convex hull process, and/or a triangulation process.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method and system to measure fluid within a body cavity by receiving data from an ultrasound transducer and generating a three-dimensional sonographic image. The body cavity and an area of fluid within it are identified in the three-dimensional image, and the volume of the fluid is calculated using volumetric analysis processes including stacked crescents, spherical fill, convex hull, and triangulation. This enables automated quantification and surveillance of free fluid in body cavities and intravascular volume.
The problem addressed arises from the current state of ultrasound detection of free fluid, which requires trained operators to visually analyze two-dimensional sonographic images to identify hypoechoic fluid collections. This method is dependent on operator skill and is limited to two-dimensional analysis, restricting accuracy and automation. The invention overcomes these challenges by employing three-dimensional and four-dimensional ultrasound imaging coupled with automated volume acquisition and algorithmic analysis to improve accuracy and automate the measurement of fluid, facilitating monitoring over time.
The system described integrates automated volume acquisition with subsequent volumetric data segmentation to accurately measure fluid volume in irregular shapes within the body. It allows for repeated measurements to monitor changes and estimate the rate of internal bleeding or intravascular volume changes. The method supports various detection and segmentation techniques, including semi-automated and fully automated approaches, enhancing usability even for users with minimal training.
Claims Coverage
The claims cover three main inventive features centered on a method, a system, and a computer-readable medium for measuring fluid volume within a body cavity using three-dimensional ultrasound imaging and a spherical fill process.
Method for measuring fluid volume using three-dimensional ultrasound and spherical fill process
Receiving data from an ultrasound transducer; generating a three-dimensional sonographic image; identifying the body cavity and area of fluid in the image; calculating fluid volume by virtually filling the fluid area with uniform virtual spheres, determining the minimum number needed, and multiplying by the sphere volume.
System configured to measure fluid volume with ultrasound and spherical fill algorithm
An interface receiving ultrasound data; an image generator creating three-dimensional sonographic images; an image processor identifying the body cavity and fluid area and calculating fluid volume using the spherical fill method involving virtual spheres with uniform volume, counting minimum spheres to fill the area, and computing total volume.
Computer-readable medium with instructions to perform fluid volume measurement using spherical fill
Computer instructions causing a processor to receive ultrasound data, generate a three-dimensional sonographic image, identify the body cavity and fluid area, and calculate fluid volume by virtually filling the fluid area with uniform virtual spheres, determining the minimum number required, and calculating total volume.
Overall, the claims focus on the integration of three-dimensional ultrasound imaging with automated spherical fill volumetric calculations to measure fluid volume in body cavities, enhancing accuracy and enabling monitoring of changes over time.
Stated Advantages
Automates fluid volume measurement in body cavities, reducing dependence on operator skill.
Enables faster volume acquisition compared to two-dimensional ultrasound systems.
Allows use by providers with minimal ultrasound training.
Supports monitoring fluid volume changes over time to estimate rate of bleeding or volume changes.
Provides more accurate quantification of non-spherical fluid collections using advanced volumetric algorithms.
Facilitates automated three- and four-dimensional ultrasound imaging for hemorrhage detection and monitoring.
Documented Applications
Hemothorax detection, quantification, and monitoring.
Hemoperitoneum detection, quantification, and monitoring.
Subcapsular hematoma detection, quantification, and monitoring (e.g., liver, spleen, kidney).
Retroperitoneal hematoma detection, quantification, and monitoring.
Automated volume status assessment and monitoring.
Vascular targeting during trauma resuscitation.
Monitoring neck vessels (internal jugular vein, carotid artery), abdomen (inferior vena cava), and groin vessels (femoral vein and arteries).
Use by field medics for trauma assessment and hemorrhage detection.
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