Three-dimensional imaging and modeling of ultrasound image data
Inventors
Mauldin, Frank William • Dixon, Adam • Owen, Kevin
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11504095-B2
Publication Date
2022-11-22
Expiration Date
2039-01-08
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Abstract
The position and orientation of an ultrasound probe is tracked in three dimensions to provide highly-accurate three-dimensional bone surface images that can be used for anatomical assessment and/or procedure guidance. The position and orientation of a therapy applicator can be tracked in three dimensions to provide feedback to align the projected path of the therapy applicator with a desired path for the therapy applicator or to provide feedback to align the potential therapy field of a therapy applicator with a target anatomical site. The three-dimensional bone surface images can be fit to a three-dimensional model of the anatomical site to provide or display additional information to the user to improve the accuracy of the anatomical assessment and/or procedure guidance.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an ultrasound imaging and therapy guidance system that employs three-dimensional tracking of both an ultrasound probe and a therapy applicator to generate highly-accurate three-dimensional bone surface images. These images are used for anatomical assessment and/or guidance during medical procedures. The probe acquires three-dimensional image data through mechanical or electronic adjustments and its position and orientation are tracked in real-time to facilitate the accurate rendering of bone anatomy.
The system addresses the technical challenge in existing medical ultrasound systems, which predominantly offer only two-dimensional, cross-sectional anatomical views. This limitation makes it difficult for practitioners to perform three-dimensional navigation and precise guidance of therapeutic instruments such as needles. Furthermore, conventional systems lack real-time visual feedback and alignment cues for therapy device placement, often leading to a steep training curve and a shortage of qualified practitioners.
The innovation integrates a processor and display system that combine 3D bone imaging, automatic detection of target therapy sites (potentially using neural networks), and calculation of the ideal position and orientation for therapy applicators. The system displays key information including the three-dimensional bone structure, current ultrasound images, indications of the target site, potential therapy fields, and real-time graphical alignment cues. This comprehensive approach improves the accuracy and workflow of anatomical assessment and procedure guidance without requiring complex registration to other 3D imaging modalities.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent claim detailing multiple inventive features, focused on three-dimensional ultrasound imaging and therapy guidance with specific integrated components and methods.
Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging with automatically-adjusted beam
The system includes an ultrasound probe capable of generating a two-dimensional ultrasound image frame and a positionally-adjusted ultrasound beam, which is automatically adjusted with a mechanical motorized mechanism to acquire three-dimensional image data of bone anatomy in a human subject.
Therapy applicator guidance and tracking
The system incorporates a therapy applicator that delivers therapy to the human subject, with the processor determining the precise position and orientation required for the therapy applicator to deliver therapy to a detected target site, based on the three-dimensional bone surface locations.
Automated detection and display of target therapy sites
Computer-readable instructions in the system’s memory cause the processor to automatically detect target therapy sites relative to three-dimensional bone surface locations and generate display data that includes indications of these sites alongside co-aligned ultrasound imagery and potential therapy fields.
Integrated real-time display of anatomical and procedural information
A display, electrically connected to the processor, generates images showing the three-dimensional bone surface locations, co-aligned two-dimensional ultrasound image frames, indications of the target therapy site relative to the bone locations, and graphical indicators reflecting alignment between the target site and the potential therapy field.
The claim coverage centers on a system that unites three-dimensional ultrasound imaging, automated beam adjustment, real-time tracking and guidance of therapy applicators, automated identification of target therapy sites, and integrated procedural display outputs to support accurate anatomical assessment and intervention guidance.
Stated Advantages
Enables highly accurate three-dimensional bone surface rendering for anatomical assessment and procedure guidance.
Provides real-time visual cues and feedback for alignment of therapy devices with target anatomical sites.
Reduces technical challenges and training burden associated with traditional two-dimensional ultrasound systems.
Eliminates the need for complicated registration to other three-dimensional imaging modalities such as CT or MRI.
Facilitates improved accuracy in procedures such as needle insertion, ablation, and other anatomically-guided therapies.
Documented Applications
Guiding a Tuohy needle into the epidural space for catheter placement during anesthesia procedures.
Spinal anatomy analysis for disease state assessment, such as diagnosis or tracking progression of juvenile scoliosis.
Recording and saving three-dimensional models of bony or other anatomy for later review or remote specialist analysis.
Supporting therapy guidance for procedures such as spinal anesthesia, energy-based ablation, and other applications involving bone anatomy.
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