Intra-operative diagnostic ultrasound multiple-array transducer probe and optional surgical tool

An ultrasound imaging display method comprising generating a format comprising:

• display of a first image associated with a first image plane;
• display of a second image associated with a second image plane, wherein the first image plane and the second image plane are non-parallel and displayed simultaneously;
• and
• wherein at least one of the first or second images is distorted, producing a pseudo 3-D image.

A medical ultrasound imaging system comprising:

• an imaging probe including a support element;
• a first imaging transducer array disposed on the support element;
• a second imaging transducer array disposed on the support element, wherein the first imaging transducer array and the second imaging transducer array are non-parallel;
• a therapeutic tool attached to the support element, substantially adjacent to at least one of the imaging transducer arrays;
• a display for showing a displayed image resulting from imaging with the first and second imaging transducer arrays, wherein the imaging transducer arrays are maintained in a fixed relationship with respect to the moving therapeutic tool;
• and
• a display guide representative of the current position or deployment of the therapeutic tool.

A method for isolating a tissue structure, comprising the steps of:

• observing the tissue structure with a plurality of imaging transducer arrays where at least two of the imaging transducer arrays are spaced apart;
• moving a therapeutic tool together with the plurality of imaging transducer arrays;
• and
• activating the therapeutic tool under guidance of the plurality of imaging transducer arrays.

A method for an intra-operative procedure, comprising the steps of:

• surgically forming a cavity;
• inserting into the cavity a probe containing a plurality of imaging transducer arrays, and a retracted tissue cutting tool fixedly mounted with the probe adjacent the imaging transducer arrays;
• observing tissue with the plurality of imaging transducer arrays;
• moving the probe under guidance of the plurality of transducer arrays;
• extending the tissue cutting tool from the probe;
• and
• retracting the tissue cutting tool from the extended position.

A method for switching between pseudo 3-D imaging of body tissue and 3-D imaging of body tissue with an multiple array imaging probe, comprising the steps of:

• positioning a multiple array imaging probe near a body tissue;
• selecting pseudo 3-D imaging of body tissue or 3-D imaging of the body tissue based on a voice command, foot pedal, keyboard, graphical user interface or an equivalent interface with an operator;
• and
• displaying pseudo 3-D images or 3-D images of the body tissue based on the selection of the operator.

A medical ultrasound imaging system, comprising:

• a multiple array imaging probe, including a principal array used for imaging, and a secondary array which can selectively function as an imaging array to provide imaging data for pseudo 3-D imaging, or function as a tracking array to provide motion estimation data regarding the principal array for 3-D imaging;
• selection means for an operator to select pseudo 3-D imaging or 3-D imaging;
• and
• a display to display pseudo 3-D images or 3-D images from data obtained from the principal array and the secondary array.

A method for determining the position of a foreign object in body tissue, comprising the steps of:

• imaging the body tissue with an ultrasound imaging probe having a first transducer array and a second transducer array;
• obtaining motion estimates regarding the first transducer array from the second transducer array of the ultrasound imaging probe to construct 3-D images of the body tissue and the foreign object;
• and
• displaying 3-D images or other information concerning the body tissue and foreign object from data obtained from the first and second transducer arrays.