System for 3D multi-parametric ultrasound imaging
First Claim
1. An ultrasound medical imaging system, comprising:
- an ultrasound probe;
a positioning device having;
a linkage with at least two rigid arms, wherein one end of said linkage is a free end that is operative to move in three dimensions and wherein said free end is configured to be locked in a fixed position;
a rotational shaft interconnected to the free end of said linkage;
a rotary encoder configured to generate an angular outputs indicative of an angular orientation of said rotational shaft about said rotational axis;
a vibratory actuator for controllably imparting a vibration in said rotational shaft between a reference position and a displaced position, wherein said vibratory actuator moves said rotational shaft in a non-rotational direction; and
an ultrasound probe holder attached to said rotational shaft for releasable holding an acquisition array of the ultrasound probe in a known position relative to a rotational axis of said rotational shaft;
an ultrasound system for acquiring a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images in conjunction with rotation of said rotational shaft about said rotation axis and vibration of said rotational shaft, wherein each of said plurality of two-dimensional image are acquired while said rotational shaft is in said reference position;
a registration system configured to;
receive said angular outputs from said rotary encoder;
receive said plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images; and
utilize said angular outputs to register said plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images into a three-dimensional ultrasound image; and
a display configured to display said three-dimensional ultrasound image.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate obtaining two dimensional (2D) ultrasound images, using two or more ultrasound imaging modes or modalities, to generate 2D multi-parametric ultrasound (mpUS) images and/or to generate a three-dimensional (3D) mpUS image. The different ultrasound imaging modes acquire images in a common frame of reference during a single procedure to facilitate their registration. The mpUS images (i.e., 2D or 3D) may be used for enhanced and/or automated detection of one or more suspicious regions. After identifying one or more suspicious regions, the mpUS images may be utilized with a real-time image to guide biopsy or therapy the region(s). All these processes may be performed in a single medical procedure.
148 Citations
7 Claims
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1. An ultrasound medical imaging system, comprising:
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an ultrasound probe; a positioning device having; a linkage with at least two rigid arms, wherein one end of said linkage is a free end that is operative to move in three dimensions and wherein said free end is configured to be locked in a fixed position; a rotational shaft interconnected to the free end of said linkage; a rotary encoder configured to generate an angular outputs indicative of an angular orientation of said rotational shaft about said rotational axis; a vibratory actuator for controllably imparting a vibration in said rotational shaft between a reference position and a displaced position, wherein said vibratory actuator moves said rotational shaft in a non-rotational direction; and an ultrasound probe holder attached to said rotational shaft for releasable holding an acquisition array of the ultrasound probe in a known position relative to a rotational axis of said rotational shaft; an ultrasound system for acquiring a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images in conjunction with rotation of said rotational shaft about said rotation axis and vibration of said rotational shaft, wherein each of said plurality of two-dimensional image are acquired while said rotational shaft is in said reference position; a registration system configured to; receive said angular outputs from said rotary encoder; receive said plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images; and utilize said angular outputs to register said plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images into a three-dimensional ultrasound image; and a display configured to display said three-dimensional ultrasound image. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification