Systems and methods for 3d ultrasound imaging of extended targets
AssigneeVerathon Inc.
InventorsFuxing Yang, Jeremiah DeHaan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A track-based scanning system uses an ultrasound probe that is mechanically guided through incremental scans over an area of interest. The scanning system can be configured for different patient applications using interchangeable track stands. Two-dimensional scan data and probe position information are fed back to a base unit for processing and assembly of a three-dimensional (3D) shape model. 3D abdominal aorta segmentation and other type of analysis may be performed based on a 3D vascular shape model and an intensity model.
Claims20
A system, comprising:
- a probe configured to:
- transmit ultrasound signals directed to a body part of a patient, and
- receive echo information associated with the transmitted ultrasound signals;
- a track structure including:
- a probe holder to secure the probe, and
- a track frame that forms a linear path for the probe holder;
- and
- at least one processing device configured to:
- detect movement of the probe holder at increments along the track frame,
- actuate the probe to transmit the ultrasound signals at each of the increments and receive the echo information associated with each of the increments, and
- process the received echo information to generate a three-dimensional ultrasound image of an extended target based on a linear position of the probe holder at each increment.
A method performed by a system including a track structure, an ultrasound probe, and a base unit that controls the track structure and the ultrasound probe, the method comprising:
- holding the ultrasound probe, positioned over a patient, in a probe holder of the track structure;
- detecting movement of the probe holder at increments along the track structure;
- causing the probe to transmit ultrasound signals at each of the increments;
- recording a linear position of the probe holder at each of the increments;
- receiving echo information associated with the transmitted ultrasound signals;
- and
- processing the received echo information to generate a three-dimensional ultrasound image of an extended target based on the received echo information and the linear positions of the probe holder.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon sequences of instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to:
- detect an orientation of an ultrasound probe secured in a probe holder of a track structure;
- detect movement of the probe holder at increments along the track structure;
- cause the probe to transmit ultrasound signals at each of the increments;
- record a linear position of the probe holder at each of the increments;
- receive echo information associated with the transmitted ultrasound signals;
- and
- process the received echo information to generate a three-dimensional ultrasound image of an extended target based on the received echo information and the linear positions of the probe holder.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.