These inventions describe novel ultrasound systems and methods of obtaining high quality three-dimensional (3-D) images of a target volume.

Summary of Invention:

These inventions describe novel ultrasound systems and methods of obtaining high quality three-dimensional (3-D) images of a target volume. The systems of the patents comprise a conventional ultrasound probe, a universal probe assembly, and a clinical ultrasound machine connected to a computer. The ultrasound probe is mounted to the universal assembly that moves the probe along the organ under investigation and scans it in a single sweep obtaining a succession of 2-D images. The assembly incorporates a motor and drive for rotating or scanning the probe relative to the organ under investigation. A computer is used to control the movement of the assembly and to collect 2-D images that are used to construct the final 3-D image. As both the position and velocity of the probe can be determined based on movement of the assembly, the precise spatial relationship between the 2-D images can be determined. With this information, the computer can construct the final 3-D images using any one of the three patented methods. “Full volume” reconstruction is the most intensive method of 3-D ultrasound imaging proposed, involving the conversion of every pixel in each one of the 2-D slices into an appropriate voxel of a given image volume. “Fast linear” and “axial” are more efficient (less time consuming) methods where only specific data points from the 2-D image slices are required to view the selected image in 3-D (as opposed to all of the data representing the entire volume of the target). Claims are also included for methods of displaying and manipulating the 3-D ultrasound images obtained. The 3-D ultrasound imaging systems and methods described are expected to greatly expand the clinical imaging capabilities of existing and new ultrasound equipment.

Market Opportunity:

The total medical diagnostic imaging market is growing at an average annual growth rate of 5.9% and is expected to reach $5.4 billion dollars by 2004. Within the United States, 3D imaging modalities reported to generate revenues of $400 million in 2002. These revenues are projected to reach $1.15 billion by 2009. Ultrasound imaging given its availability, low cost, and safety, as compared to other modalities such as x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT), is expected to contribute to a significant portion of these revenues. The cost of operating ultrasound equipment can be as much as one-tenth that of MRI and CT. There are currently over 150,000 ultrasound instruments installed worldwide performing more than 135 million scans per annum. 3-D ultrasound imaging has been used as a replacement for diagnoses made using other imaging modalities. Continued market growth is anticipated as 3D ultrasound is implemented for broader medical diagnostic imaging applications.

Patents issued and filed within the United States, Europe, and Canada.

The technology is available for licensing and/or collaborative research and development with an industry partner.