System and method for ultrasound spine shadow feature detection and imaging thereof
Inventors
Mauldin, Jr., Frank William • Dixon, Adam
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12333783-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-17
Expiration Date
2037-08-18
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Abstract
Systems and methods for anatomical identification using ultrasonic imaging and acoustic shadow detection methods are provided. At least some embodiments of the disclosure comprise the following steps: acquiring ultrasound image; detecting shadow region; extracting shadow profile; filtering shadow profile with matched filter; identifying anatomical landmarks within shadow; extracting features of anatomical landmarks; classifying anatomy, and determining with a high degree of confidence that the target anatomy is depicted in the image. A determination is made as to the degree of confidence that the target anatomy is depicted in the image. Conditionally, graphics indicating presence and position of target anatomy is displayed including disposition, location and orientation thereof.
Core Innovation
The invention provides systems and methods for anatomical identification using ultrasonic imaging and acoustic shadow detection techniques. By acquiring ultrasound images, detecting the shadow region, extracting the shadow profile, filtering the shadow profile with a matched filter, and identifying anatomical landmarks within the shadow, the system enables classification and confident determination of target anatomical features in the acquired image. Through the use of a handheld imager, the invention presents this information as a composite image that displays the presence, location, and orientation of the target anatomy, facilitating guidance for probe insertion.
The core problem addressed by this invention is the difficulty and lack of reliability in using ultrasound for bone and spine imaging, particularly for guiding procedures such as spinal anesthesia or spinal diagnostic procedures. Conventional ultrasound systems produce images that are often affected by artifacts, are difficult to interpret, and require specialized training. Furthermore, blind probe or needle insertion without imaging guidance has high rates of failure, which is problematic especially in patient populations where anatomical landmarks are hard to palpate, such as the obese.
To address these issues, the patent introduces a portable, hand-held ultrasound imaging solution that automates the detection and classification of bone and relevant anatomical landmarks by leveraging acoustic shadow features in the ultrasound image data. The system includes methods for extracting and analyzing shadow features, identifying specific anatomical structures, and providing intuitive graphical feedback to the user via a display. This capability supports accurate and confident guidance for probe insertion, reducing procedural failures and complications.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains two independent claims: one method claim and one system claim, each introducing several inventive features supporting ultrasound-guided anatomical identification and probe insertion.
Shadow profile generation and anatomical landmark identification
The method comprises obtaining ultrasound data from an imaged region, determining a shadow profile by creating a shadow intensity image using a weighted integrated sum of ultrasound data at different depths, and identifying a boundary between a shadow region and tissue on each A-line. The shadow profile is convolved with a matched filter approximating known anatomical landmarks, producing a filtered shadow profile. Anatomical landmarks are identified by analyzing prominent peaks or subpeaks in the profile, classified accordingly, and displayed as a composite image on a handheld ultrasound imager to guide a probe insertion procedure.
System for handheld ultrasound composite image guidance
A system is disclosed comprising a handheld ultrasound imager and a probe, with at least one processor configured to perform: acquisition of ultrasound data, creation of a shadow intensity image via weighted integration of depth samples, extraction of shadow profiles, convolution with matched filters, and identification and classification of anatomical landmarks using filtered shadow profiles. The system displays a composite ultrasound image integrating anatomical landmark information to guide probe insertion into the subject's cavity.
The inventive features focus on automated generation and processing of acoustic shadow profiles from ultrasound data, matched-filter based identification and classification of anatomical landmarks, and real-time display of composite anatomical guidance on a handheld imager to facilitate accurate probe insertion.
Stated Advantages
The handheld apparatus is portable, simpler to operate than conventional ultrasound equipment, and requires less training in ultrasonography.
The device provides more accurate guidance for puncture or probe insertion procedures by supplying information about the depth and location of bone relative to the probe.
The system reduces medical costs by lowering the likelihood of procedural failure or complications during probe insertion.
The composite image output provides an intuitive, easy-to-understand indication of bone location or depth compared to conventional B-mode ultrasound images.
The portable and less expensive nature of the device compared to generally available B-mode imaging equipment.
Documented Applications
Guidance for spinal anesthesia and spinal diagnostic procedures involving probe or needle insertion.
Orthopedic joint injection guidance.
Performance of lumbar punctures.
Diagnosis of bone fractures.
Detection of rib shadowing when imaging the lungs, such as for thoracentesis.
Detection of iliac crest for bone marrow biopsy.
Detection of facet joint, clavicle bone, or sacro-iliac joint for regional anesthesia.
Distinguishing placement of an intubation tube in the trachea or esophagus.
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