Method and apparatus for ultrasound imaging with biplane instrument guidance
AssigneeDiasonics Ultrasound, Inc.
InventorGregory Sharat Lin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for providing simultaneous viewing of an instrument in two ultrasound imaging planes. An ultrasound imaging probe is provided which can generate at least two ultrasound imaging planes. In one embodiment, the two imaging planes are not parallel (i.e., the planes intersect). An instrument path is positioned with respect to the planes such that an instrument may be simultaneously viewed in both imaging planes. In one embodiment, the instrument path is provided at an intersection that, at least partially, defines the intersection of the two imaging planes.
Claims36
An ultrasound imaging apparatus comprising:
- a first transducer to provide a first imaging plane;
- a second transducer to provide a second imaging plane, wherein said first imaging plane and said second imaging plane intersect orthogonally;
- and
- a guide to provide simultaneous viewing of a separate instrument in said first and second imaging planes.
An apparatus for performing endocavitary ultrasound imaging, said apparatus comprising:
- a first means for generating a first imaging plane;
- a second means for generating a second imaging plane, wherein said first imaging plane and said second imaging plane intersect orthogonally;
- and
- a third means for providing simultaneous viewing of a separate instrument in said first and second imaging planes.
A method for performing endocavitary ultrasound imaging, said method comprising:
- generating an image of an instrument applicable via an endocavitary probe, said image based on views of said instrument simultaneously generated in at least two imaging planes, wherein said two imaging planes intersect orthogonally, said instrument separate from said endocavitary probe;
- and
- displaying said image.
A method for performing endocavitary ultrasound biopsy, said method comprising:
- generating a first image associated with a first imaging plane;
- generating a second image associated with a second imaging plane, said second image plane intersecting said first image plane orthogonally;
- providing a guide to allow simultaneous imaging of an instrument separate from said guide in said first and second imaging planes;
- generating a composite image of an instrument, said composite image being based on said first and second images from said first and second imaging planes, respectively.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.