Abstract: An apparatus for determining a distribution of a selected therapy in a target volume is provided. A three-dimensional ultrasound transducer captures volume data from the target volume. A computing device is in communication with the three-dimensional ultrasound transducer for receiving the volume data and determining the distribution of the selected therapy in the target volume along a set of planned needle trajectories using the volume data. At least one of the needle trajectories is oblique to at least one other of the planned needle trajectories.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically processing images from a micro-array uses an image processor that is controlled by software. The software controls the microprocessor to process images to ensure that the images meet a predetermined threshold. The microprocessor automatically calculates a size of spot image, a spacing between adjacent spot images, generates a first grid and adjusts the first grid to fit the spot images being processed.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a biopsy of a target volume and a computing device for planning the same are provided. A three-dimensional ultrasound transducer captures ultrasound volume data from the target volume. A three-dimensional registration module registers the ultrasound volume data with supplementary volume data related to the target volume. A biopsy planning module processes the ultrasound volume data and the supplementary volume data in combination in order to develop a biopsy plan for the target volume. A biopsy needle biopsies the target volume in accordance with the biopsy plan.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the insertion of a medical tool, for example a needle, within the human body. The apparatus and method are particularly useful in prostate brachytherapy and in prostate biopsy. The apparatus comprises a telescoping guide universally coupled to a first and second positioning means that are used to automatically and/or manually position the guide at a desired needle insertion trajectory. Automatic positioning of the guide is accomplished with reference to three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound images that can also be used to show needle insertion in real-time. The apparatus may be manually positioned in the approximate insertion trajectory and then a computer interconnected with the apparatus may be used to achieve the final trajectory based upon the ultrasound images. The apparatus is particularly useful in cases where multiple needles are to be inserted into a small target area and in cases where pubic arch interference prevents direct access to the target area.

Abstract: There is described a three-dimensional imaging system for acquiring a succession of two-dimensional images of a target volume represented by an array of pixels and transforming the succession of two-dimensional images directly into a three dimensional image. Generally, the system comprises a scanner, a memory and a transformation means. The scanner scans the target volume using an angular scanning technique, and generates a succession of digitized two-dimensional images thereof representing cross-sections of the target volume on a plurality of planes spaced around an axis of rotation of the scanner. The memory stores the succession of digitized two-dimensional images and a data set. The data set comprises: (i) calibration parameters defining the geometric relationship between successive digitized two-dimensional images; and (ii) acquisition parameters defining the geometric and orientational relationship between successive digitized two-dimensional images.

Abstract: A method of registering the position of an object moving in a target volume in an ultrasound imaging system includes capturing a first ultrasound image of a target volume. A second ultrasound image of the target volume is then captured after the capturing of the first ultrasound image. The position of the object in the target volume is identified using differences detected between the first and second ultrasound images. In another aspect, a region of interest in the target volume is determined. A segment of an operational scan range of a transducer of the ultrasound imaging system encompassing the region of interest is determined. The transducer is focused on the segment of the operational scan range during image capture.

Abstract: A fast semi-automatic prostate contouring method is provided using model-based initialization and an efficient Discrete Dynamic Contour (DDC) for boundary refinement. The user initiates the process of the preferred embodiment by identifying four (4) points on the prostate boundary, thereby scaling and shaping a prostate model, and then the final prostate contour is refined with a DDC. The method of the present invention has particular application during the pre-implant planning phase of a brachytherapy procedure. However, this method also has uses in any phase of dose planning in the brachytherapy procedure or any other therapy approach.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically processing images from a micro-array uses an image processor that is controlled by software. The software controls the microprocessor to process images to ensure that the images meet a predetermined threshold. The microprocessor automatically calculates a size of spot image, a spacing between adjacent spot images, generates a first grid and adjusts the first grid to fit the spot images being processed.

Abstract: A fast semi-automatic prostate contouring method is provided using model-based initialization and an efficient Discrete Dynamic Contour (DDC) for boundary refinement. The user initiates the process of the preferred embodiment by identifying four (4) points on the prostate boundary, thereby scaling and shaping a prostate model, and then the final prostate contour is refined with a DDC. The method of the present invention has particular application during the pre-implant planning phase of a brachytherapy procedure. However, this method also has uses in any phase of dose planning in the brachytherapy procedure or any other therapy approach.

Abstract: A fast semi-automatic prostate contouring method is provided using model-based initialization and an efficient Discrete Dynamic Contour (DDC) for boundary refinement. The user initiates the process of the preferred embodiment by identifying four (4) points on the prostate boundary, thereby scaling and shaping a prostate model, and then the final prostate contour is refined with a DDC. The method of the present invention has particular application during the pre-implant planning phase of a brachytherapy procedure. However, this method also has uses in any phase of dose planning in the brachytherapy procedure or any other therapy approach.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a 3D ultrasound-guided intraoperative brachytherapy method for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer in men. The method comprises the steps of a pre-implant planning phase using 3D TRUS and semi-automated contouring, an implantation phase and a post plan verification phase for monitoring.

Abstract: A three-dimensional ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound probe to direct ultrasound waves to and to receive reflected ultrasound waves from a target volume of a subject under examination. The ultrasound probe is swept over the target volume along a linear scanning path and the reflected ultrasound waves are conveyed to a computer wherein successive two-dimensional images of the target volume are digitized. The digitized two-dimensional images can be used to generate a three-dimensional image with virtually no delay. A user interface allows a user to manipulate the displayed image. Specifically, the entire displayed image may be rotated about an arbitrary axis, a surface of the displayed image may be translated to provide different cross-sectional views of the image and a selected surface of the displayed image may be rotated about an arbitrary axis. All of these manipulations can be achieved via a single graphical input device such as a mouse connected to the computer.

Abstract: A method and system, employed in combination with a three-dimensional ultrasonographic imaging system, for assisting and placing at least one medical instrument into a prostate during a percutaneous prostrate therapeutic procedure. A process means for determining the spatial relationship between three-dimensional ultrasonographic images of the prostate generated via the transrectal transducer and a reference means. In addition, the method and system assists in guiding and placement of the medical instrument into a target location in the prostate.

Abstract: An ultrasound segmentation method comprising the steps of automated initial contour identification, followed by application of a geometrically deformable model (GDM). The formation of the initial contours involves the input of a single seed point by the user, and has been found to be insensitive to the placement of the seed within a structure. The GDM minimizes contour energy, providing a smoothed final result, with only three simple parameters being required as easily selectable input values.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting assembly, for use with an ultrasound transducer attached to an ultrasound machine, for determining the spacial relationship between a succession of 2D image slices of a target of a subject, generated by the ultrasound machine. The mounting assembly comprises: (i) means to mount an ultrasound transducer; (ii) means to engage a surface of the subject in the proximity of the target, the means to engage a surface being moveably attached to the means to mount an ultrasound transducer; and (iii) sensing means, in communication with the means to engage a surface, to measure the movement of the means to engage a surface during acquisition of the succession of 2D image slices. Preferably, the sensing means comprises a tilt sensor and a displacement sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the dynamic display of three-dimensional (3D) images of a target, comprising: memory means to store the plurality of time-dependent 3D image data sets; an address pointer defining an independent address of a location in the memory means of each time-dependent 3D image data set; and display means utilizing the address pointer successively to retrieve a time-dependent 3D image data set from memory and display a time-dependent 3D image corresponding to the time-dependent 3D image data set for a selected period of time. A method for dynamic display of 3D images is also provided.

Abstract: A depth-limited image processor employed in combination with a three-dimensional ultrasonographic system whereby, from a model representing at least a portion of a three-dimensional volumetric array, a user selecta a ray-depth from at least one face of the model thereby forming a “thick-plane” region of interest. All voxels within the “thick-plane” are processed successively according to a user selected imaging technique along the depth of the ray. The results of the processing are projected onto corresponding screen pixels to produce an enhanced three-dimensional image. In another embodiment, an adaptive depth-limited image processing means is employed whereby voxels are first checked against a user selected condition. voxels meeting this condition are then processed as above to produce an enhanced three-dimensional image.

Abstract: A system and process are provided for performing percutaneous biopsy within a breast using three-dimension ultrasonography and including a breast positioning device, a breast immobilization device, an ultrasonic imaging device, a biopsy instrument positioning device, the breast immobilization device and the three-dimensional ultrasonographic imaging device being positioned in a known relationship to each other, the breast immobilization device being employed to immobilize the breast and a lesion contained therein for imaging by the three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging device, and the three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging device being employed to assist an operator in positioning the biopsy instrument positioning device relative to the lesion and guiding a biopsy instrument percutaneously to the lesion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semi-automated method for three-dimensional ultrasound for constructing and displaying 3-D ultrasound images of luminal surfaces of blood vessels. The method comprises acquiring a 3-D ultrasound image of a target vessel and segmenting the luminal surfaces acquired from the 3-D ultrasound image of the target vessel to generate a 3-D ultrasound image of the lumen of the target vessel, wherein an inflating balloon model is used for segmenting the luminal surfaces of the target vessel. The method is useful for diagnostic assessment of bodily vessels as well as provides for therapy planning and as a prognostic indicator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed, employed in combination with an ultrasonographic system, for assisting in guiding and placing at least one medical instrument into a target tissue during a minimally invasive medical procedure. The apparatus comprises: a reference means; a processing means in communication with the ultrasonographic system; and a mounting means for mounting the reference means in a predetermined relationship to an ultrasonographic transducer. The reference means includes a plurality of apertures arranged in an predefined manner which are sized to permit at least one medical instrument to pass therethrough. The processing means determines the spatial relationship between the target tissue and the reference means and further merges a representation of the plurality of apertures with the ultrasonographic image to form a positioning image.