Systems and methods for ultrasound imaging
Inventors
Mauldin, Frank William • Owen, Kevin
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11373303-B2
Publication Date
2022-06-28
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 improving ultrasound bone imaging and visualization. It includes obtaining two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound images of a region containing bone, applying a bone filter to the ultrasound data to identify possible bone surface locations, and registering these locations with predefined cross-sections of a three-dimensional (3D) model of the bone. The 3D bone model is defined prior to image acquisition and is representative of a human population.
This approach addresses the issues of conventional ultrasound bone imaging, such as artifacts from off-axis reflections, difficult-to-interpret 2D images, and poor sensitivity and specificity due to ultrasound signal angle dependencies. Conventional 3D imaging can be hampered by motion artifacts and low contrast, making interpretation challenging, especially for bone structures.
By registering filtered 2D ultrasound images to a 3D bone model and identifying anatomical landmarks, the method generates a visualization that includes both the 2D ultrasound view and a corresponding 3D model cross-section, as well as the locations of key anatomical landmarks. This dual visualization, indicating specific landmark locations, is designed to make interpretation easier and provide clinically relevant guidance.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover three primary inventive features spanning a processor-based method, a non-transitory computer readable medium, and a system, each focused on ultrasound bone imaging visualization techniques.
Processor-based method for visualizing ultrasound data with bone filter and model-based registration
The method comprises: - Obtaining ultrasound data representing a 2D image of a subject’s region containing bone, with image intensity values and pixel depths. - Applying a bone filter to the ultrasound data to determine possible bone surface locations. - Providing a 3D simulated bone model, defined prior to the 2D image and having population-representative size and shape. - Identifying model template cross-sections of the 3D model corresponding to the 2D image by registering the possible bone surface locations. - Identifying at least one landmark feature location in the 2D image based on registration results. - Generating a visualization that includes: (a) the 2D ultrasound image with bone; (b) a visualization of one identified model cross-section; and (c) an indication of the landmark feature location.
Non-transitory computer readable storage medium with instructions for ultrasound data visualization
The storage medium stores instructions for: - Obtaining ultrasound data representing a 2D ultrasound image of a bone-containing region, with image intensity values and pixel depths. - Applying a bone filter to determine possible bone surface locations. - Identifying model template cross-sections of a 3D simulated bone model at least in part by registering the possible bone surface locations in the 2D image to the 3D model, where the cross-sections are defined prior to image acquisition and representative of a population. - Identifying at least one landmark feature's location in the 2D image based on registration results. - Generating a visualization comprising the bone-inclusive 2D image, a visualization of an identified 3D model cross-section, and an indication of the landmark location.
System for processing ultrasound data combining bone filter, model registration, and anatomical landmark visualization
The system includes: - At least one computer hardware processor and at least one ultrasound imaging unit. - Processor circuitry to obtain ultrasound data representing a 2D image of a bone-containing region, including image intensity values and pixel depth locations. - Processor circuitry to apply a bone filter to determine possible bone surface locations. - Processor circuitry to identify model template cross-sections of a 3D simulated bone model corresponding to the 2D ultrasound image by registering the bone surface locations, with model cross-sections predefined and representative of a population. - Processor circuitry to identify at least one anatomical landmark's location based on registration results. - Processor circuitry to generate a visualization including the 2D image with bone, a visualization of an identified 3D model cross-section, and the landmark location.
In summary, the claims define methods, computer-readable media, and systems for enhancing ultrasound-based bone imaging, integrating bone filtering, 2D–3D registration using population-based bone models, automated landmark identification, and multimodal visualizations for improved anatomical guidance.
Stated Advantages
Provides ultrasound images with enhanced bone-to-tissue contrast and/or improved contrast-to-noise ratio, making images easier to interpret.
Enables automatic identification and visualization of bony landmarks, reducing the need for manual interpretation of ultrasound images.
Combines 2D ultrasound with corresponding 3D model cross-sections and landmark locations, offering a more intuitive and clinically relevant display.
Allows detection of bone surface deformations smaller than the original ultrasound system resolution, assisting in tasks such as fracture detection or guidance for procedures.
Documented Applications
Guidance for spinal anesthesia clinical procedures using ultrasound images registered to 3D spine models.
Clinical applications of ultrasound-guided bone imaging such as orthopedic joint injections, lumbar punctures, and diagnosis of bone fractures.
Guidance of orthopedic surgery or other procedures requiring precise localization of bone landmarks via ultrasound imaging.
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