METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLED SCANNING, IMAGING, AND/OR THERAPY

• US 20130066208A1
• Filed: 08/01/2012
• Published: 03/14/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/12/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Guided Therapy Systems Llc
• Original Assignee: Guided Therapy Systems Llc
• Inventors: Barthe, Peter G., Slayton, Michael H.
• Application Number:
  US13/564,552
• Publication Number:
  US 20130066208A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/443
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/14 Echo-tomography
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4209 by using holders, e.g. positioning frames
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/483 involving the acquisition of a 3D volume of data

Abstract

A method and system for three dimensional scanning, imaging and/or therapy are provided. In accordance with one aspect, an exemplary method and system are configured to facilitate controlled scanning within one-degree of freedom. For example, an exemplary method and system can enable multiple two-dimensional image planes to be collected in a manner to provide an accurate and computationally efficient three-dimensional image reconstruction while providing the user with a user-friendly mechanism for acquiring three-dimensional images. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the positioning system comprises a guide assembly configured to provide pure rectilinear or rotational motion of the probe during scanning operation, and a position sensing system configured to detect the direction and position of the probe during scanning.

Claims

1. A method for facilitating controlled scanning of an imaging probe relative to a region of interest, said method comprising:

scanning a region of interest with a hand-held imaging probe;

restricting movement of said imaging probe through use of a guide assembly to rotate around an axis which is substantially perpendicular to a surface of the region of interest; and

determining position of said imaging probe within said guide assembly through use of a position sensing system to facilitate three-dimensional reconstruction of images by a control system.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein restricting movement comprises coupling a guide member to said imaging probe.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein restricting movement comprises controlling movement in a rotational manner.