Identifying an optimal image from a number of ultrasound images

A system configured to assist an operator of an ultrasound system in obtaining an ultrasound image well suited to analyze a pre-determined anatomical structure of a subject, the system comprising a processor configured for:

• receiving a number of ultrasound images acquired during an ultrasound examination of the subject;
• receiving at least one biometric parameter related to the anatomical structure derived from a physical examination of the subject and/or the subject's medical history;
• retrieving a reference image from a database, the reference image showing a target view of the anatomical structure;
• for each of the number of ultrasound images, calculating an image similarity index between the ultrasound image and the reference image,
• for at least the ultrasound image(s) having an image similarity index above a certain threshold, or having the best image similarity index, determining a biometric parameter from the ultrasound image, and calculating a biometric similarity index, which is a measure of the agreement between the biometric parameter, as determined from the ultrasound image, and the corresponding biometric parameter as derived from the physical examination and/or the subject's medical history;
• performing at least one of:
• displaying a graphical representation of at least one of the biometric similarity index, the similarity index, or a matching index calculated therefrom;
• and selecting an ultrasound image, the selected ultrasound image, as being best suited to analyze the anatomical structure based on the biometric similarity index, and optionally on the image similarity index;
• and
• for at least the selected ultrasound image, automatically fitting a pre-determined curve or geometrical shape to an anatomical structure shown in the selected ultrasound image, and determining at least a coefficient of the fitted geometrical shape or curve.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that when executed on a processor, cause the processor to:

• provide at least one biometric parameter related to the anatomical structure, the biometric parameter being derived from a physical examination of the subject, and/or from the subject's medical history;
• retrieving a reference image from a database, the reference image showing a target view of the anatomical structure;
• for each of the number of ultrasound images, calculating an image similarity index between the ultrasound image and the reference image;
• for at least the ultrasound image(s) having an image similarity index above a certain threshold, or having the best image similarity index, determining a biometric parameter from the ultrasound image, and calculating a biometric similarity index, which is a measure of the agreement between the biometric parameter, as determined from the ultrasound image, and the corresponding biometric parameter as derived from the physical examination and/or the subject's medical history;
• based on the biometric similarity index, and optionally on the image similarity index, selecting an ultrasound image as being best suited to analyze the anatomical structure;
• for at least one of the number of ultrasound images, automatically fitting a pre-determined curve or geometrical shape to an anatomical structure shown in the ultrasound image, and determining at least a coefficient of the fitted geometrical shape or curve.