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.