Visualization of 4D ultrasound maps

A method, comprising:

• inserting a four-dimensional (4D) intracardiac into a heart, an ultrasound probe comprising:
• a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound transducer array configured to produce a time series of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound images of a volume of the heart;
• and
• a sensor configured to output signals indicative of a position, direction and orientation of the 2D ultrasound transducer array inside the heart;
• using the signals output by the sensor, registering multiple ultrasound images of a region of the heart, acquired simultaneously by the 2D ultrasound transducer array, with one another;
• extending a simulated beam ray from a point selected by a user to a center mass of the heart, such that the simulated beam ray intersects a first surface comprising at least one of a plurality of inner wall images and then intersects a second surface comprising at least one of a plurality of outer wall images;
• isolating the plurality of inner wall images and the plurality of outer wall images of the region from each other, wherein the plurality of inner wall images and the plurality of outer wall images of the region are endocardium images and respective epicardium images of a same portion of the heart;
• applying different graphical encodings to the plurality of inner wall images and the plurality of outer wall images, wherein the different graphical encodings comprise different color palettes being applied to each of the plurality of inner and outer wall images;
• overlaying the plurality of inner wall images and the plurality of outer wall images to generate a combined image;
• displaying the combined image to the user;
• and
• adjusting a transparency of one or both of the overlaid plurality of inner wall images and outer wall images.

A system, comprising:

• a four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound probe for insertion into an organ, the ultrasound probe comprising:
• a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound transducer array configured to produce a time series of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound images of a volume of the organ;
• and
• a sensor configured to output signals indicative of a position, direction and orientation of the 2D ultrasound transducer array inside the organ;
• and
• a processor, which is configured to:
• using the signals output by the sensor, register multiple ultrasound images of a region of the organ, acquired simultaneously by the 2D ultrasound transducer array, with one another;
• extend a simulated beam ray from a point selected by a user to a center mass of the organ, such that the simulated beam ray intersects a first surface comprising at least one of a plurality of inner wall images and then intersects a second surface comprising at least one of a plurality of outer wall images;
• isolate the plurality of inner wall images and the plurality of outer wall images of the region from each other, wherein the plurality of inner wall images and the plurality of outer wall images of the region are inner tissue images and respective outer tissue images of a same portion of the organ;
• apply different graphical encodings to the plurality of inner wall images and the plurality of outer wall images, wherein the different graphical encodings comprise different color palettes being applied to each of the plurality of inner and outer wall images;
• overlay the plurality of inner wall images and the plurality of outer wall images to generate a combined image;
• display the combined image to the user;
• and
• adjust a transparency of one or both of the overlaid plurality of inner wall images and outer wall images.