KR20060112244A - Display of catheter tip with beam direction for ultrasound system - Google Patents

Abstract

A display of a catheter tip having a beam direction for an ultrasonic system is provided to reduce an operation time of a surgeon by using a three-dimensional ultrasonic image in performing a complex operation. A catheter(28) includes a position sensor and an ultrasonic imaging sensor. A positioning processor is connected to the catheter(28) to determine position information of a part of the catheter(28) based on an electrical signal transmitted by the position sensor. An image processor(42) is operationally connected to the catheter(28), the positioning processor, and a display unit(44). The position sensor transmits an electrical signal which represents position information of a part of the catheter(28) within a patient body. The ultrasonic imaging sensor transmits ultrasonic energy to an object within the patient body, and receives an ultrasonic reflective sound reflected from the object within the patient body. The image processor(42) displays a catheter icon on the display unit(44) in the same orientation as an orientation of the catheter(28) within the patient body based on the position information induced from the position sensor. The image processor(42) generates an ultrasonic image of the object based on the signal transmitted by the ultrasonic sensor. The image processor(42) displays the generated ultrasonic image in real-time on the display(44) in the same orientation as an orientation of the catheter(28) within the patient body based on the position information induced from the position sensor.

Description

Display of catheter tip with beam direction for ultrasound system

1 is a schematic diagram of a system for cardiac mapping and imaging in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a schematic diagram of a catheter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a flow chart schematically illustrating a cardiac mapping and imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4-8 illustrate a method for cardiac mapping and imaging in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

9 and 10 illustrate modeled heart chambers in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

11 shows a recorded ultrasound image with a pre-acquired image according to an embodiment of the invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

20: system 24: heart

28: catheter 29: handle

30: field generation coil 32: position sensor

40: Ultrasound Converter 42: Image Processor

44 display 46 electrode

The present invention relates to medical imaging systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for constructing 3-D organ models from multiple ultrasound images.

Methods of mapping the endocardium (ie, the inner surface of the heart) to 3-D are known in the art. For example, US Pat. No. 5,738,096, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a method of constructing a map of the heart. Invasive probes contact various points on the heart wall. The position of the invasive probe is determined for each point, and the positions are combined to form a structural map of at least a portion of the heart.

In some systems, such as one described in US Pat. No. 5,738,096, additional physiological properties as well as local electrical activity on the heart surface are also obtained by the catheter. The corresponding map incorporates the local information obtained.

Some systems use hybrid catheter that incorporates position sensing. For example, US Pat. No. 6,690,963, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a positioning system for determining the position and orientation of an invasive medical device.

Catheters with sonic transducers can be used for contactless imaging of the endocardium. For example, US Pat. Nos. 6,716,166 and 6,773,402, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, describe systems for 3-D mapping and geometric reconstruction of body cavities, particularly the heart. The system utilizes a cardiac catheter that includes a plurality of sonic transducers. The transducers emit ultrasonic waves reflected from the surface of the cavity and received back by the transducers. The distance from each transducer to a point or area on the surface opposite that transducer is determined, and the distance measurements are combined to reconstruct the 3-D shape of the surface. The catheter also includes position sensors, which are used to determine the position and orientation coordinates of the catheter in the heart.

US Pat. No. 5,846,205, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a phased-array ultrasound transducer assembly comprising a catheter. One end is mounted to the catheter around the transducer array, the end forming an acoustic window, which is essentially non-focusing on the ultrasonic energy passing through it. Since the sonic windows are non-focusing, the inventors claim that a relatively small radius of curvature can be used on the radially outer surface of these windows.

US Pat. No. 6,066,096, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes an imaging probe for volumetric intraluminal ultrasound imaging. The probe configured to be disposed within the patient body includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. The ultrasonic transducer phase array is located on and connected to the distal end of the elongate body. The ultrasonic transducer phased array is positioned to emit and receive ultrasonic energy for volumetric forward scanning from the distal end of the stretchable body. The ultrasonic transducer phase array includes a number of sites occupied by the ultrasonic transducer element. At least one ultrasonic transducer element is not present in at least one of the sites, thereby forming an interstitial site. A tool is located at the gap site. In particular, the tool may be an optical fiber lead, a suction tool, a guide wire, an electrophysiological electrode or an ablation electrode.

US Pat. No. 6,059,731, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes an ultrasound imaging catheter system for side-and-end simultaneous observation. The system includes at least one side array and at least one end array. Each array has a row of at least one ultrasonic transducer element. The elements are operable as a single ultrasonic transducer and are divided step by step to create different scenes.

US Pat. No. 5,904,651, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a catheter tube carrying an imaging element for visualizing tissue. The catheter tube also carries a support structure that extends beyond the imaging element to contact surrounding tissues away from the imaging element. The support element stabilizes the imaging element, while the imaging element visualizes tissue in the interior body region. The support structure also involves a diagnostic or therapeutic component for contacting the surrounding tissue.

US Pat. No. 5,876,345, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes an ultrasound catheter for 2-D imaging or 3-D reconstruction. The ultrasound catheter includes at least two ultrasound arrays with good near and far field resolutions. To help interpret the images obtained by the catheter, the catheter provides an outline of the heart chamber.

US Pat. No. 6,228,032, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a steering mechanism and steering line for a linear array of catheter mounted phases of ultrasonic transducer elements.

US Pat. No. 6,226,546, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a catheter positioning system for generating a 3-D map of a portion of the human body, from which the position of the catheter can be determined. Multiple sonic transducers are placed around the catheter head at a predetermined position. A sound wave signal is generated by a sound wave converter acting as a sound source. The signal processing unit generates a 3-D map responsive to the signal received by the sonic transducer acting as a sonic receiver.

US Pat. No. 6,171,248, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes an ultrasound probe for 2-D imaging or 3-D reconstruction. The patent describes an ultrasonic probe comprising at least two ultrasonic arrays. The probe enables the construction and inspection of 3-D images.

Several methods for contactless reconstruction of intracardiac surfaces using intracardiac ultrasound imaging are known in the art. For example, International Patent Publication WO 00/19908, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes an adjustable transducer array for intracardiac ultrasound imaging. The array forms an ultrasonic beam that is steered in a predetermined direction by an operating aperture. US Pat. No. 6,004,269, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes an acoustic imaging system based on an ultrasonic device integrated into a catheter. The ultrasound device directs the ultrasound signal towards the internal structure of the heart to produce an ultrasound image. International Patent Publications WO 99/05971 and WO 00/07501, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, allow the placement of an ultrasonic transducer on another catheter (eg, a catheter for mapping or removal) in contact with the endocardium. The use of an ultrasound transducer on a reference catheter is described.

US Pat. No. 5,848,969, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, shows other examples of intracardiac ultrasound imaging. This publication describes a method and system for visualizing internal tissue areas using inflatable imaging structures.

International patent publication WO 99/55233, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a method for depicting a 3-D surface of a patient's heart. In order to serve as an archetypal shape for the patient heart population, a 3-D mesh model using training data is developed. Ultrasound images of multiple patient hearts are taken at different image planes. Anatomical positions are manually identified in each image. With respect to the predefined anatomical position, the mesh model is fixedly aligned with the images.

Other methods of contour extraction and 3-D modeling using ultrasound images are described in EP 0961135, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. As another example, WO 98/46139, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a method of combining Doppler and B-mode ultrasound image signals into a single image using a modulated nonlinear mapping function. Explain.

US Pat. No. 5,797,849, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a method for performing a medical procedure using a 3-D tracking and imaging system. Surgical instruments are inserted into the patient's body. The position of the surgical instrument is tracked as the surgical instrument moves through the body structure. The position of the surgical instrument relative to the adjacent periphery is displayed to allow the surgeon to position the surgical instrument more accurately.

US Pat. No. 5,391,199, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a method of removing a portion of a patient's body structure or organ. The method includes obtaining a perspective image of a structure or organ to be mapped and advancing one or more catheter to a site in or adjacent to the organ or structure. The location of each catheter distal tip is sensed using a non-ionizing field. At the distal tip of one or more catheter, local information of the trachea or structure is sensed and the sensed information is processed to generate one or more data points. The data points are superimposed on a perspective image of the trachea or structure to help remove portions of the trachea or structure.

Some medical imaging systems apply a method of reconstructing a 3-D model based on acquired image information. For example, US Pat. No. 5,568,384, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a method for synthesizing a 3-D multimodality image set into a single composite image. Surfaces are extracted from two or more different images and matched using a semi-automatic segmentation technique.

US Pat. No. 6,226,542, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a method for 3-D reconstruction of organs in the body. The processor reconstructs a 3-D map of the cavity or volume within the patient's body from a number of sampled points on the volume for which position coordinates have been determined. Reconstruction of the surface is based on a limited number of sampled points.

US Pat. Nos. 4,751,643 and 4,791,567, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, describe a method of determining connecting structures within a body. 3-D regions representing the same tissue morphology are similarly labeled. Using the label information, all connection data points with similar labels are determined.

Some systems utilize image processing methods to analyze and model body tissues and organs based on the information obtained by imaging. One such technique is described in "Deformable Models in Medical Images Analysis: A," published by McInerney and Terzooulos on June 91, 108, Medical Image Analysis, (1: 2), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Survey (Transformable Models in Medical Image Analysis; Overview) ". The authors use (bottom-up) constraints derived from image data with (bottom-down) prior knowledge of the position, size and shape of the structure, thereby segmenting, matching and Computer medical image analysis techniques for tracking are described.

Neubauler and Wegentittl, incorporated herein by reference, published the 11th International Conference in Central Europe on Computer Graphics, Visualization and Computer Vision of West Bohemia University, Plzen, Czech Republic, February 2003. Another analysis technique is described in "Analysis of Four-Dimensional Cardiac Data Sets Using Skeleton-Based Segmentation". The authors describe a computer-assisted method for segmenting heart parts from a series of cardiac CT (computed tomography) images taken at multiple points throughout the cardiac cycle.

3-D images of the heart are useful for many catheter-based diagnostic and therapeutic uses. Real-time imaging improves the surgeon's performance and makes it easier for even less-experienced surgeons to perform complex surgical procedures. 3-D imaging also helps to reduce the time needed to perform some surgical procedures. In addition, 3-D ultrasound images can be used to plan complex procedures and catheter manipulations.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved method and system for performing 3-D cardiac imaging. Probes comprising an ultrasound transducer array and a position sensor are used to image target organs and structures within the patient's body. In one embodiment, the probe comprises a catheter, which is inserted into the heart of the patient. The probe acquires a plurality of 2-D ultrasound images of the target organ and transmits the images to the image processor. For each image, the position and orientation coordinates of the probe are measured using the position sensor.

A user of the system, typically a surgeon, examines the image on the interactive display. The user uses the display to manually mark (also referred to as "tagging") a contour of interest that identifies features of one or more organs of the images. Additionally or alternatively, contours are automatically tagged using contour detection software. The image processor automatically identifies and reconstructs corresponding contours in at least some of the remaining untagged images. The image processor then uses the contour to segment the 3-D structure in the model to construct a 3-D structural model based on the multiple ultrasound images and the corresponding probe coordinates for which each image was captured.

In some embodiments, the contour includes intermittent points. The 3-D coordinates of each point are calculated using position sensor information and 2-D ultrasound image characteristics. The calculated positions are used to construct a 3-D model. The contours tagged by the surgeon can be projected and displayed on top of the 3-D model.

Thus, the disclosed methods provide an interactive tool for user-friendly reconstruction of 3-D images of internal body organs. These methods also provide a convenient and accurate way to form an electrical activity map (particularly for cardiac imaging purposes) or an anatomical surface onto which other types of maps or images are projected.

Therefore, a method of modeling an anatomical structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided, which method

Acquiring a plurality of ultrasound images of the anatomical structure using the ultrasound sensor at each of the plurality of spatial positions of the ultrasound sensor;

Measuring a position and an orientation coordinate of an ultrasonic sensor at each of the plurality of spatial positions;

Marking an outline of interest-contour representing features of the anatomical structure in the one or more ultrasound images; And

Constructing a three-dimensional (3-D) model of the anatomical structure based on the interest-contour and the measured position and orientation coordinates.

In the disclosed embodiment, constructing the 3-D model includes automatically reconstructing at least some features of the unmarked ultrasound image based on the marked interest-contours.

In another embodiment, the anatomical structure comprises a heart and acquiring the plurality of ultrasound images comprises inserting a catheter comprising an ultrasound sensor into the first heart chamber, each of the plurality of spatial positions within the chamber. Moving the catheter between. Additionally or alternatively, constructing a 3-D model includes constructing a 3-D model of a target structure disposed outside the first cardiac chamber.

In another embodiment, the step of acquiring the ultrasound image and measuring the position and orientation coordinates is based on the timing of the acquisition of the ultrasound image and the measurement of the position and orientation coordinates. And synchronizing with respect to a synchronization signal including one of an externally provided synchronization signal. Additionally or alternatively, the step of synchronizing the measurement and the timing comprises synchronizing the measurement of at least one of tissue characteristics, temperature and blood flow to the synchronization signal.

In yet another embodiment, measuring position and orientation coordinates comprises generating fields adjacent to a position sensor associated with an ultrasonic sensor, sensing the field at a position sensor, and responding to the sensed field. Calculating the position and orientation coordinates of the ultrasonic sensor. In some embodiments, generating the field includes generating a magnetic field, and sensing the field includes sensing the generated magnetic field at the position sensor.

In another embodiment, measuring position and orientation coordinates comprises generating a field using a field generator associated with an ultrasonic sensor, sensing the field using one or more receiving sensors, and in response to the detected field. Calculating position and orientation coordinates of the ultrasonic sensor. In some embodiments, generating the field includes generating a magnetic field, and sensing the field includes sensing the generated magnetic field at one or more receiving sensors.

In one embodiment, automatically reconfiguring the features includes allowing manual input including at least one of approving, deleting, correcting, and changing at least some of the automatically reconfigured features.

In another embodiment, constructing the 3-D model includes generating at least one of a surface model and a skeleton model of the target structure of the anatomical structure, and displaying the 3-D model to the user. do. Additionally or alternatively, generating the surface model includes superimposing at least one of a parametric map and an electrical activity map on the surface model.

In yet another embodiment, constructing the 3-D model comprises incorporating information obtained from one or more of a magnetic resonance tomography (MRI) system, a computed tomography (CT) system, and an x-ray imaging system into the 3-D model. Overlapping. Additionally or alternatively, the step of superimposing the information includes recording the obtained information in the coordinate system of the 3-D model.

In yet another embodiment, constructing the 3-D model comprises forming one or more regions of interest within the 3-D model, and projecting ultrasound image portions corresponding to the one or more regions of interest onto the 3-D model. It includes a step.

In one embodiment, the step of acquiring the plurality of ultrasound images includes scanning the anatomical structure using an in vitro ultrasound probe including an ultrasound sensor, and moving the probe between the plurality of spatial positions.

According to one embodiment of the invention, there is additionally provided a method for modeling anatomical structures, said method comprising

Acquiring an ultrasound image of the anatomical structure using the ultrasound sensor in a spatial position of the ultrasound sensor;

Measuring the position and orientation coordinates of the ultrasonic sensor at the spatial position;

Marking a contour of interest-outlining features of the anatomical structure of the ultrasound image; And

Displaying at least a portion of the ROI-contour and ultrasound image in 3-D space based on the measured position and orientation coordinates.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system for modeling anatomical structures, said system

A probe, comprising: an ultrasonic sensor configured to obtain a plurality of ultrasound images of an anatomical structure at each of the plurality of spatial positions of the probe, and a position sensor configured to determine the position and orientation coordinates of the ultrasonic sensor at each of the plurality of spatial positions A probe comprising a;

An interactive display coupled to receive the manual input to display the ultrasound images and to mark an area of interest-contour representing features of the anatomical structure of the one or more ultrasound images; And

The ultrasound images and the measured position and to accommodate a manually marked interest-contour and construct a 3-D model of the anatomical structure based on the measured spatial positions and the interest-contour A processor coupled to receive orientation coordinates.

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is further provided a system for modeling anatomical structures, said system comprising

 A probe;

A processor coupled to receive the ultrasound image and the measured position and orientation coordinates and calculate a 3-D position of the ultrasound image based on the measured position and orientation coordinates; And

Receive a manual input that marks a contour of interest-indicative of the features of the anatomical structure within the ultrasound image, and based on the calculated 3-D position of the ultrasound image, 3- An interactive display coupled to display in D space,

The position sensor is configured to determine an ultrasonic sensor configured to acquire an image of the anatomical structure at the spatial position of each of the probes and to determine the position and orientation coordinates of the ultrasonic sensor at the spatial position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is additionally provided a computer software product for modeling anatomical structures, the product comprising a computer-readable medium, in which program instructions are stored, the instructions being When the computer reads it causes the computer to acquire a plurality of ultrasound images of the anatomical structure using the ultrasound sensor in each of the plurality of spatial positions of the ultrasonic sensor, and the position and orientation of the ultrasonic sensor in each of the plurality of spatial positions. Allow to measure coordinates, accept manual input marking interest-contours representing features of anatomical structures in one or more ultrasound images, and based on the interest-contours and measured position and orientation coordinates Let's construct a 3-D model of.

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is also provided a computer software product for modeling anatomical structures, the product comprising a computer-readable medium, in which program instructions are stored, the instructions being computer The computer causes the computer to acquire an ultrasound image of the anatomical structure using an ultrasonic sensor at each spatial position of the ultrasonic sensor, measure the position and orientation coordinates of the ultrasonic sensor at the spatial position, and anatomy in the ultrasound image. Mark the ROI-contours representing features of the enemy structure and display at least a portion of the ROI-contours and ultrasound images in 3-D space based on the measured position and orientation coordinates.

The invention also relates to a system for imaging a target in a patient's body, the system comprising

A pre-acquired image;

A catheter comprising a position sensor and an ultrasonic imaging sensor;

A positioning processor operatively coupled to the catheter for determining position information of the catheter portion based on the electrical signal transmitted by the position sensor;

An image processor operatively coupled to the catheter and positioning processor; And

A display for displaying the recorded pre-acquired image and ultrasound image,

The position sensor transmits an electrical signal representing position information of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body, and the ultrasound imaging sensor transmits ultrasound energy to a target in the patient's body and echoes an echo reflected from the target in the patient's body. Receive a signal, and transmit a signal related to ultrasonic echo reflected from a target in the patient's body,

The image processor generates an ultrasound image of the target based on the signal transmitted by the ultrasound sensor, determines position information for any pixel of the ultrasound image of the target, and obtains the pre-acquisition along with the ultrasound image. Record one image.

Another embodiment according to the invention relates to a method for imaging a target in a patient's body, the method comprising

Providing a pre-acquired image of the target;

Disposing a catheter including a position sensor and an ultrasonic imaging sensor in the patient's body, and determining position information of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body using the position sensor;

Generating an ultrasound image of a target using the ultrasound imaging sensor;

Determining position information for any pixel of an ultrasound image of the target, and recording the pre-acquired image along with the ultrasound image; And

Displaying the recorded pre-acquired image and the ultrasound image.

Another embodiment according to the invention relates to a system for imaging a target in a patient's body, wherein the system is

A pre-acquired image of the target;

An electrophysiological map of the target;

A catheter comprising a position sensor and an ultrasonic imaging sensor;

A positioning processor operatively coupled to the catheter for determining position information of the catheter portion based on the electrical signal transmitted by the position sensor;

An image processor operatively coupled to the catheter and positioning processor; And

A display for displaying the recorded pre-acquired image, electrophysiological map and ultrasound image,

The position sensor transmits an electrical signal representing position information of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body, and the ultrasound imaging sensor transmits ultrasound energy to a target in the patient's body and transmits an ultrasound echo reflected from the target in the patient's body. Receive and transmit a signal related to ultrasonic echo reflected from a target in the patient's body,

The image processor generates an ultrasound image of the target based on the signal transmitted by the ultrasound sensor, determines position information for any pixel of the ultrasound image of the target, and obtains the pre-acquisition along with the ultrasound image. Record an image and an electrophysiological map.

An additional embodiment according to the invention relates to a system for imaging a target in a patient's body, the system comprising

A pre-acquired image of the target;

A catheter comprising a position sensor, an ultrasonic imaging sensor, and at least one electrode;

A positioning processor operatively coupled to the catheter for determining position information of the catheter portion based on the electrical signal transmitted by the position sensor;

An image processor operatively coupled to the catheter and positioning processor; And

A display for displaying the recorded pre-acquired image, electrophysiological map and ultrasound image,

The position sensor transmits an electrical signal representing position information of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body, the ultrasound imaging sensor transmits ultrasound energy to a target in the patient's body, receives ultrasound echo reflected from the target in the patient's body, Transmit a signal associated with ultrasonic echo reflected from a target in the patient's body, wherein the at least one electrode acquires electrical activity data-points of the target surface,

The image processor generates an ultrasound image of the target based on the signal transmitted by the ultrasound sensor, determines the electrical activity data-point of the target and position information for any pixel of the ultrasound image of the target, Generate an electrophysiological map of the target based on the electrical activity data-point of the target and the position information on the electrical activity data-point, and record the pre-acquired image and the electrophysiological map together with the ultrasound image do.

The present invention also relates to a method for imaging a target in a patient's body, the method of

Providing a pre-acquired image of the target;

Providing an electrophysiological map of the target;

Positioning a catheter comprising a position sensor and an ultrasonic imaging sensor in the patient's body and determining position information of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body using the position sensor;

Generating an ultrasound image of a target using the ultrasound imaging sensor;

Determining position information for any pixel of an ultrasound image of the target and recording the pre-acquired image and an electrophysiological map along with the ultrasound image; And

Displaying the recorded pre-acquired image, electrophysiological map and ultrasound image.

Another embodiment according to the invention is a method of imaging a target in a patient's body, the method comprising

Providing a pre-acquired image of the target;

Positioning a catheter comprising a position sensor, an ultrasonic imaging sensor, and at least one electrode in the body of the patient and using the position sensor to determine position information of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body;

Acquiring an electrical activity data-point of the target surface using the at least one electrode;

Generating an ultrasound image of a target using the ultrasound imaging sensor;

Determining position information for an electrical activity data-point of the target surface, and generating an electrophysiological map of the target based on the electrical activity data-point and position information for the electrical activity data-point;

Determining position information for any pixel of an ultrasound image of the target, and recording the pre-acquired image and an electrophysiological map along with the ultrasound image; And

Displaying the recorded pre-acquired image, electrophysiological map and ultrasound image.

The present invention also relates to a medical imaging system for imaging a body of a patient, wherein the system is

A catheter comprising a position sensor and an ultrasonic imaging sensor;

A positioning processor operatively coupled to the catheter for determining position information of the catheter portion based on the electrical signal transmitted by the position sensor;

display; And

An image processor operatively coupled to the catheter, positioning processor and display,

The position sensor transmits an electrical signal representing position information of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body, the ultrasound imaging sensor transmits ultrasound energy to a target in the patient's body, receives ultrasound echo reflected from the target in the patient's body, Transmit a signal related to ultrasonic echo reflected from a target in the patient's body,

The image processor generates an ultrasound image of the target based on the signal transmitted by the ultrasound sensor, and generates the ultrasound image in the same orientation as the orientation of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body based on position information derived from the position sensor. The displayed ultrasound image on a display in real time.

The present invention also relates to a medical imaging system for imaging a target in a patient's body, the system comprising

A catheter comprising a position sensor and an ultrasonic imaging sensor;

A positioning processor operatively coupled to the catheter for determining position information of the catheter portion based on the electrical signal transmitted by the position sensor;

display; And

An image processor operatively coupled to the catheter, positioning processor and display,

The position sensor transmits an electrical signal representing position information of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body, the ultrasound imaging sensor transmits ultrasound energy to a target in the patient's body, receives ultrasound echo reflected from the target in the patient's body, Transmit a signal related to ultrasonic echo reflected from a target in the patient's body,

The image processor generates a plurality of 2-D ultrasound images of the target based on the signal transmitted by the ultrasound sensor, reconstructs a 3-D model using the plurality of 2-D ultrasound images, and positions the position sensor. Based on the position information derived from the 2-D ultrasound image is displayed in real time on the 3-D model on the display in the same orientation as the orientation of the catheter portion in the patient's body.

The present invention also relates to a medical imaging system for imaging a target in a patient's body, the system comprising

A pre-acquired image;

A catheter comprising a position sensor and an ultrasonic imaging sensor;

A positioning processor operatively coupled to the catheter for determining position information of the catheter portion based on the electrical signal transmitted by the position sensor;

display; And

An image processor operatively coupled to the catheter, positioning processor and display,

The position sensor transmits an electrical signal representing position information of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body, the ultrasound imaging sensor transmits ultrasound energy to a target in the patient's body, receives ultrasound echo reflected from the target in the patient's body, Transmit a signal related to ultrasonic echo reflected from a target in the patient's body,

The image processor records the pre-obtained image together with the ultrasound image transmitted by the ultrasound sensor and displays the display in the same orientation as the orientation of the catheter portion within the patient's body based on the position information derived from the position sensor. An ultrasound image is displayed in real time on the 3-D model of the image.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a medical imaging system for imaging a target in a patient's body, the system comprising

A pre-acquired image;

A catheter comprising a position sensor and an ultrasonic imaging sensor;

A positioning processor operatively coupled to the catheter for determining position information of the catheter portion based on the electrical signal transmitted by the position sensor;

display; And

An image processor operatively coupled to the catheter, positioning processor and display,

The position sensor transmits an electrical signal representing position information of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body, the ultrasound imaging sensor transmits ultrasound energy to a target in the patient's body, receives ultrasound echo reflected from the target in the patient's body, Transmit a signal related to ultrasonic echo reflected from a target in the patient's body,

The image processor generates at least one 2-D ultrasound image of a target based on the signal transmitted by the ultrasonic sensor, reconstructs a 3-D model using the at least one 2-D ultrasound image, and Record the pre-acquired image with the 3-D model and the recorded pre-acquired image on the display in the same orientation as the orientation of the catheter portion within the patient's body based on the position information derived from the position sensor; Display 2-D ultrasound images in real time on a 3-D model.

In addition, another embodiment of the present invention relates to a medical imaging system for imaging a patient body, the system is

A catheter comprising a position sensor and an ultrasonic imaging sensor;

A positioning processor operatively coupled to the catheter for determining position information of the catheter portion based on the electrical signal transmitted by the position sensor;

display; And

An image processor operatively coupled to the catheter, positioning processor and display,

The position sensor transmits an electrical signal representing position information of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body, the ultrasound imaging sensor transmits ultrasound energy to a target in the patient's body, receives ultrasound echo reflected from the target in the patient's body, Transmit a signal related to ultrasonic echo reflected from a target in the patient's body,

The image processor displays a catheter icon on the display in the same orientation as the orientation of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body based on position information derived from the position sensor, and targets the target based on a signal transmitted by the ultrasonic sensor. And generate an ultrasound image of the generated ultrasound image on the display in the same orientation as the orientation of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body based on the position information derived from the position sensor. The catheter icon is used to direct ultrasound energy transmitted from a catheter's ultrasound sensor to a target in the patient's body in a specific direction.

The invention will be better understood with reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 illustrates a system 20 for imaging and mapping a patient's heart 24 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a catheter 28 that is inserted by a surgeon into a chamber of the heart via a vein or a vein. Typically, catheter 28 includes a handle 29 for a surgeon to manipulate the catheter. Appropriate controls on the handle allow the surgeon to steer, position and orient the distal end of the catheter as desired.

System 20 includes a positioning sub-system that measures the position and orientation coordinates of catheter 28. (Through this patent application, the term "position" refers to the spatial coordinates of the catheter, and the term "orientation" refers to the angular coordinates. The term "position" refers to the overall position information of the catheter, including both position and orientation coordinates. Is displayed.)

In one embodiment, the positioning sub-system includes a magnetic position tracking system that determines the position and orientation of the catheter 28. The positioning sub-system generates a magnetic field within a predetermined adjacent working volume and senses this magnetic field in the catheter. Typically, the positioning sub-system includes an external radiator set, such as a field generating coil 30, placed in a known fixed position external to the patient. Coil 30 generates a field, typically an electromagnetic field, adjacent to heart 24. The generated field is sensed by the position sensor 32 inside the catheter 28.

In another embodiment, the emitter, such as a coil in the catheter, generates an electromagnetic field, which is received by sensors external to the patient's body.

The position sensor, in response to the sensed field, transmits a position-related electrical signal to the console 34 via a cable 33 extending through the catheter. Alternatively, the position sensor may send a signal to the console via a wireless link. The console includes a positioning processor 36 that calculates the position and orientation of the catheter 28 based on the signal transmitted by the position sensor 32. Positioning processor 36 typically receives, amplifies, filters, digitizes, and otherwise processes signals from catheter 28.

Some position tracking systems that can be used for this purpose are described, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 6,690,963, 6,618,612 and 6,332,089, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, and US Patent Application Publication 2002/0065455 A1, 2004/0147920 A1 and 2004/0068178 A1. Although the positioning sub-system shown in FIG. 1 uses a magnetic field, the methods described below may be practiced using any other suitable positioning sub-system, such as a system based on electromagnetic, acoustic or ultrasonic measurements.

As described and argued below, the system 20 allows the surgeon to perform various mapping and imaging procedures. An example of this process is as follows:

Display of real-time or non-real-time (NRT) 2-D ultrasound images (see FIGS. 4 and 6).

3-D model reconstruction of the target structure within the patient's body based on the 2-D ultrasound image (see FIGS. 4-10).

Record, overlay and display parametric maps, such as electrophysiological information maps or electroanatomical maps, in a reconstructed 3-D model (see FIG. 8).

Recording, superimposing and displaying 3-D images obtained from external systems on a reconstructed 3-D model.

Recording and displaying 2-D ultrasound images in 3-D images obtained from an external system (see FIG. 11).

2 is a schematic diagram showing the distal end of a catheter 28 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The catheter includes an ultrasonic imaging sensor. Typically, the ultrasonic sensor includes an array of ultrasonic transducers 40. In one embodiment, the transducers are piezoelectric transducers. Ultrasonic transducers are disposed within or adjacent the window 41, which forms an opening in the wall or body of the catheter.

The transducers 40 operate as phased arrays that transmit the ultrasound beams cooperatively with one another through the window 41 from the array aperture. (Although transducers arranged in a linear array form are shown, other array forms, such as circular or convex, may also be used.) In one embodiment, the array transmits a short burst of ultrasonic energy, and It is then switched to the reception mode for receiving the ultrasonic signal reflected from the surrounding tissue. Typically, the transducers 40 are individually driven in a controlled manner to steer (steer) the ultrasound beam in a predetermined direction. The ultrasonic beam generated by appropriately adjusting the timing of the transducer can be given a concentrically curved wave front to focus the beam at a given distance from the transducer array. Thus, system 20 uses a transducer array as a phased array to generate a 2-D ultrasound image, and implements a transmit / receive scanning mechanism that enables steering and focusing of the ultrasound beam.

In one embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor comprises 16 to 64 transducers 40, preferably 48 to 64 transducers. Typically, transducers generate ultrasonic energy at a center frequency in the range of 5-10 MHz with a typical penetration depth of 14 cm. Typically, the penetration depth ranges from a few millimeters to about 16 centimeters, which is dependent on the ultrasonic sensor characteristics, the characteristics of the surrounding tissue and the operating frequency. In other embodiments, other suitable frequency ranges and penetration depths may be used.

After receiving the reflected ultrasonic echo, the electrical signal based on the reflected echo is transmitted by the transducer 40 along the cable 33 via the catheter 28 to the image processor 42 in the console 34. Transmitted, the console converts the electrical signals into 2-D, typically sector-shaped, ultrasound images. Typically, image processor 42 calculates or determines position and orientation information, displays real-time ultrasound images, performs 3-D images or volumetric reconstructions, and performs other functions as described in more detail below. .

In some embodiments, the image processor uses the ultrasound image and position information to generate a 3-D model of the target structure of the patient's heart. The 3-D model is shown to the surgeon as a 2-D projection of the display 44.

In some embodiments, the distal end of the catheter also includes at least one electrode 46 for performing diagnostic and / or therapeutic functions, such as electrophysiological mapping and / or radio frequency (RF) ablation. . In one embodiment, electrode 46 is used to sense localized potential. The potential measured by electrode 46 can be used to map local electrical activity on the endocardium. When electrode 46 is adjacent to or in contact with a point on the inner surface of the heart, the electrode measures the local potential at that point. The measured potential is converted into an electrical signal and sent via a catheter to an image processor for display. In another embodiment, the local potential is obtained from another catheter that includes a position sensor and appropriate electrodes all connected to console 34.

In other embodiments, electrode 46 may be used to measure different parameters such as various tissue properties, temperature and / or blood flow. Although electrode 46 is shown as a single ring electrode, the catheter may include any number of electrodes 46 in any form. For example, the catheter may comprise two or more ring electrodes, a plurality of point electrodes or point electrode arrays, a tip electrode or a combination of these types of electrodes for performing the diagnostic and / or therapeutic functions described above.

Typically, position sensor 32 is disposed within the distal end of catheter 28 adjacent to electrode 46 and transducers 40. Typically, the position and orientation offsets between the transducer 40 of the ultrasonic sensor, the position sensor 32 and the electrode 46 are constant. Typically these offsets are used by positioning the processors 36 to derive the coordinates of the ultrasonic sensor and electrode 46, given the measured position of the position sensor 32. In another embodiment, catheter 28 includes two or more position sensors 32, each position sensor having a constant position and orientation offset relative to electrode 46 and transducers 40. In some embodiments, the offsets (or equivalent calibration parameters) are pre-calibrated and stored in positioning processor 36. Alternatively, the offsets may be stored in a memory device (eg, electrically-programmable read-only memory, or EPROM) embedded within the handle 29 of the catheter 28.

Typically, position sensor 32 includes three non-concentric coils (not shown), as described in US Pat. No. 6,690,963. Alternatively, any other suitable position sensor arrangement may be used, such as sensors including any number of concentric or non-concentric coils, Hall-effect sensors and / or magnetoresistive sensors. Can be.

Typically, both the ultrasound image and the position measurements are synchronized with the cardiac cycle by gating the signal and image capture against the body-surface electrocardiogram (ECG) signal or the intracardiac electrocardiogram. (In one embodiment, the ECG signal may be generated by electrode 46.) During cardiac periodic contraction and relaxation, the characteristics of the heart change shape and position, so overall imaging processing is typically performed at this period. Run at a specific timing. In some embodiments, additional measurements obtained by the catheter, such as measurements for various tissue characteristics, measurements of temperature and blood flow, are also synchronized to the ECG. These measurements are also combined with corresponding point measurements obtained by position sensor 32. Typically, additional measurements are superimposed on the reconstructed 3-D model, as described below.

In some embodiments, the point measurements and the acquisition of the ultrasound image are synchronized to the internally-generated signals generated by the system 20. For example, a synchronization mechanism can be used to prevent interference in the ultrasound image caused by a particular signal. In this example, the timing of image acquisition and position measurement is fixed at a specific offset to the interfering signal so that the images are obtained without interference. The offset can often be adjusted to maintain image acquisition without interference. Alternatively, the measurement and acquisition may be synchronized to an externally supplied synchronization signal.

In one embodiment, the system 20 includes an ultrasonic driver (not shown) that drives the ultrasonic transducer 40. One example of a suitable ultrasonic drive that can be used for this purpose is the AN2300 ^™ ultrasonic system produced by Analogic Corp. (Pibodi, Mass., USA). In this embodiment, the ultrasonic driver performs some of the functions of the image processor 42, namely, driving the ultrasonic sensor and generating a 2-D ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic driver can support different imaging modes such as B-mode, M-mode, CW Doppler and color flow Doppler as known in the art.

Typically, the positioning and image processor may be implemented using a general purpose computer programmed in software to perform the functions described below. The software may be downloaded to a computer in electronic form via a network, for example or alternatively the software may be provided to the computer via a tangible medium such as a CD-ROM. The positioning and image processor may be implemented using separate computers or a single computer, or may be integrated with other computing functions of the system 20. Additionally or alternatively, at least some of the positioning and image processing functions may be executed using dedicated hardware.

3-D imaging method

3 is a flow chart schematically illustrating a cardiac mapping and imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In principle, the disclosed method combines multiple 2-D ultrasound images obtained at different locations of the catheter into a single 3-D model of the target structure. In the specification and claims of this patent application, the "target structure" or "target" may refer to all or part of the chamber of the heart or may represent a particular wall, surface, blood vessel or other anatomical feature. Although the embodiments disclosed herein specifically represent structures around and inside the heart, the principles of the present invention can be similarly applied and applied to the imaging of skeletal, muscle and other organs and anatomical structures.

The method begins by acquiring a series of 2-D ultrasound images of the target structure in ultrasound scanning step 50. Typically, surgeons scan the target structure by inserting the catheter 28 through the appropriate blood vessel into the chamber of the heart, such as the right atrium, and then moving the catheter between different positions within the chamber. The target structure may comprise part or all of the chamber in which the catheter is located, or additionally or alternatively, may comprise different chambers, such as the left atrium or vascular structures, such as the aorta. In each catheter position, the image processor acquires and generates a 2-D ultrasound image, such as the image shown in FIG. 4.

At the same time, the positioning sub-system measures and calculates the position of the catheter. The calculated position is stored with the corresponding ultrasound image. Typically, the location of each catheter is represented in the form of coordinates such as six-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, Z axis position and pitch, yaw and roll angular orientation).

In some embodiments, the catheter makes additional measurements using electrode 46. Measured parameters, such as local potentials, are optionally superimposed and displayed in additional layers on the reconstructed 3-D model of the target structure, as described below.

After obtaining the ultrasound image set, the image processor displays one or more such images to the surgeon in manual tagging step 52. Alternatively, step 52 may be inserted in step 50. The gray level in the image allows the surgeon to identify structures such as walls, blood vessels and valves of the heart chamber. The surgeon examines the ultrasound images and identifies the region of interest-contour that represents the boundary or wall of the target structure. Typically, the surgeon marks the contour on the display 44 by "taging" the contour using a pointing device 45, such as a track-ball. (An exemplary tagged 2-D image is shown in FIG. 5.) Alternatively, the pointing device may be a tablet, tablet or any other suitable input device coupled to a mouse, touch screen or display 44. It may include. The combination of display 44 and pointing device 45 is an example of an interactive display, i.e. an example of a means of displaying an image and allowing a user to mark on the image so that the computer can place the mark within the image. Other forms of interactive display will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The surgeon can tag contours on one or several images from the set in this manner. Surgeons may also tag various anatomical landmarks or artifacts in connection with questionable medical procedures. Similarly, the surgeon may identify a “no access” area that should not be touched or entered during subsequent treatment procedures such as ablation.

In some embodiments, the interest-contour is tagged in a semi-automatic manner. For example, the image processor may run appropriate contour detection software. In this embodiment, the software automatically detects and marks contours in one or more 2-D images. The surgeon then uses the interactive display to review and edit the automatically detected contours.

The image processor may use the tagged contours to automatically reconstruct the contours in the remaining untagged ultrasound images, in an automatic tagging step 54. (In some embodiments, the surgeon may tag all 2-D ultrasound images in step 52. In this case, step 54 is omitted.) The image processor tracks the structures tagged by the surgeon and removes the structures. Reconstruct in the remaining ultrasound images. This identification and reconstruction process may use any suitable image processing method, including edge detection methods, correlation methods, motion detection methods, and other methods known in the art. In addition, the position coordinates of the catheter associated with each image may be used by the image processor to correlate contour positions between the images. Additionally or alternatively, step 54 may be performed in a user-assisted manner, which allows the surgeon to review and correct the automatic contour reconstruction performed by the image processor. The output of step 54 is a set of 2-D ultrasound images tagged with interest-contours.

The image processor then assigns the 3-D coordinates to the identified interest-contours in the image set in 3-D coordinate assignment step 56. While the surgeon marks the tag on the 2-D image in step 52, the position and orientation of these image planes in the 3-D space can be confirmed using the position information stored with the image in step 50. Therefore, the image processor can determine the 3-D coordinates for each pixel or any pixel in the 2-D image, in particular, corresponding to the tagged contour in the 2-D image. As mentioned above, when assigning coordinates, the image processor typically uses stored calibration data, including the position and orientation offset between the position sensor and the ultrasonic sensor.

In some embodiments, the interest-contour includes intermittent points. In such embodiments, the positioning processor assigns 3-D coordinates to each intermittent point. In addition, the positioning processor assigns 3-D coordinates to intermittent points of the volume (formed by the surface) or surface, such as the chamber of the heart. Thus, the recording of the pre-acquired image into one or more 2-D ultrasound images or a 3-D model of the ultrasound image may be performed using contours, intermittent points, surfaces or volumes.

In some embodiments, the image processor displays one or more 2-D ultrasound images properly oriented in 3-D space (see, eg, FIG. 6). Interest-contours can be selectively marked on the oriented 2-D image.

The image processor generates a 3-D skeletal model of the target structure in 3-D reconstruction step 58. The image processor aligns the tagged contours in 3-D space from some or all of the 2-D images to form a skeletal model. (See the exemplary skeletal model shown in FIG. 7 below.) In some embodiments, the image processor is configured to form a surface on the skeletal model and to generate a solid 3-D shape of the target structure. mesh "" process. The image processor projects the interest-contour on the generated 3-D model. Typically, the model is visible to the surgeon on the display 44. (See example 3-D model shown in FIGS. 8-10).

As noted above, in some embodiments system 20 supports local potential measurements on the target structure surface. In this measurement, each electrical activity data-point obtained by catheter 28 is used to generate or fabricate an electrophysiological map (by image processor) and a potential or activity time value measured by electrode 46. And the corresponding position coordinates of the catheter measured by positioning the sub-system. The image processor records the electrical activity data-points with the coordinate system of the 3-D model in superposition step 60 and superimposes the data points on the model. Step 60 is optional in the method of the present invention and is performed only if the system 20 supports this type of measurement and the surgeon chooses to use this property. Electrical activity data points are typically measured when electrode 46 is in contact with or adjacent the wall of the target structure. Therefore, data-points are typically superimposed on the 3-D model of the structure.

Alternatively, separate 3-D electrical activity maps (often referred to as electroanatomical maps) can be generated and displayed. For example, Biosense Webster, Inc., located in Diamond Bar, California, USA. Appropriate electroanatomical maps can be generated by the CARTO ^™ navigation and mapping system manufactured and sold. The potential value can be represented using a color scale, for example, or any other suitable visualization method. In some embodiments, the image processor may include or extrapolate the measured potential values and display a total color map describing the potential distribution across the walls of the target structure. As used herein, the term “electrophysiological map” means an electrical activity data-point or electroanatomical map.

As mentioned above, information obtained from other imaging devices is recorded with the 3-D model and superimposed on the model for display. For example, pre-acquired computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance tomography (MRI) or x-ray information is recorded with the 3-D ultrasound-base model, the 3-D model and / or the 2-D ultrasound The image is displayed on display 44 together with the image (see example superimposition of the 2-D image and the pre-acquired CT image shown in FIG. 11).

Additionally or alternatively, if additional parametric measurements are made in step 50, these measurements can be recorded with the 3-D model and displayed in additional layers (often referred to as "parametric maps"). have.

When carrying out the disclosed method, the order of steps 50 to 60 can be changed and the steps can be repeated in an interactive manner. For example, the surgeon may acquire a 2-D image of the first order and manually tag the images. Thereafter, the surgeon can go back and acquire additional images and use the tagged contours in the first order image to cause the system to tag those images automatically. The surgeon can then generate a full 3-D model and examine the model. If the model is not accurate enough in some areas, the surgeon may decide to obtain an additional set of images to refine the 3-D model. Additionally or alternatively, after examination of the image or 3-D model, the surgeon may decide to change the manual tagging of one or more images, or to ignore the automated tagging process. In order to obtain a high quality 3-D model of the target structure, the surgeon may also apply another order of applying steps 50 to 60. Additionally or alternatively, some of these steps may be executed automatically, for example, under robot control.

In some embodiments, features from the 2-D ultrasound image are selectively displayed as part of the 3-D model. For example, features placed outside the volume defined by the interest-contour may be discarded or hidden from the display model. Additionally or alternatively, only skeletal models or wire mesh models can be displayed. Other suitable criteria can be used to filter the information to be displayed. For example, a "no access" region marked in one or more 2-D images as described above may be properly drawn and highlighted in the 3-D model.

In some embodiments, system 20 may be used as an imaging system in real time or near real time. For example, the surgeon may reconstruct the 3-D model of the target structure using the method described above as a preliminary step before the start of the medical procedure. The surgeon can tag any desired anatomical landmark or feature of interest displayed on the 3-D model. During the procedure, the system 20 can continuously track and display the 3-D position of the catheter relative to the model and tagged contours. The catheter used to perform the medical procedure may be the same catheter used to generate the 3-D model, or may be another catheter equipped with an appropriate position sensor.

Example of cardiac imaging

4 to 8 are views showing visually the above-described 3-D imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figures are generated from ultrasound images generated by the cardiac imaging system performed by the inventors. Images are generated during a real-time experiment of imaging the heart of a pig using a catheter similar to the catheter shown in FIG. 2 above.

4 shows a 2-D ultrasound image obtained by an ultrasound transducer at a particular position of catheter 28. The image shows two distinct cardiac features 80, 82. In accordance with the ultrasonic scanning step 50 of the method of FIG. 3, multiple ultrasound images of this type are obtained at different locations of the catheter.

5 shows the ultrasound image of FIG. 4 with features 80 and 82 marked with contours 84 and 86. 4 is taken using a catheter located in the right atrium. In this 2-D image, feature 80 represents a mitral valve and feature 82 represents an aortic valve. According to manual tagging step 52 of the method of FIG. 3, the contours are manually tagged by the user. Contours 84 and 86 mark anatomical structures in the 3-D object volume and help the surgeon identify these structures during the procedure.

6 shows a 2-D ultrasound image 85 oriented and projected in 3-D space. The figure shows an exemplary split-screen display as generated by the image processor 42 and that can be displayed on the display 44 of the system 20. The "raw" 2-D image is displayed in a separate window on the right side of the figure.

According to the position measurement of the position sensor 32, an isometric display in the center of the figure shows the projected image 87 generated by orienting and projecting the plane 85 of the image in 3-D space. Orientation icons 81, typically having the shape of an imaged anatomical structure (heart in this example), are displayed in the same orientation as the projected image 87 in real time as the catheter 28 moves within the patient's body. do. The icon 81 helps the surgeon understand the 3-D orientation of the projected image.

Beam icon 83 is used in connection with the projected 2-D image 87 to mark the area scanned by the ultrasound beam. As such, the icon 83 is oriented and displayed in the same plane (same orientation) as the image 87 projected in real time as the catheter 28 moves in the patient's body. The icon 83 may comprise a web-like or fan-like linear representation, preferably a color such as red. Alternatively, the icon 83 includes colored lines marking the perimeter of the area scanned by the beam to produce the image 87, or any other suitable means for visualizing the position and orientation of the ultrasound beam. can do. In the example of FIG. 6, icon 83 includes two straight lines representing the angular sector formed by the ultrasound beam. In some embodiments, additional icons 99 are also displayed that mark the position and position of the distal end of the catheter 28. For example, the distal end of catheter 28 may be used by a surgeon or user of system 20 to orient a 2-D ultrasound image or pan 87 or to display a 2-D image on a 3-D image or frame. Regardless of whether any other image processing is used to superimpose, it is displayed with a catheter tip icon 99 that makes it possible to understand the position and orientation of the ultrasound image captured by the catheter 28. The user or surgeon of the system 20 may also use the icon 99 to direct the ultrasound beam in the desired direction and / or orientation. For example, the catheter tip icon 99 can be used to position the tip of the catheter 28 adjacent to a known landmark in the heart to help more accurately assess the direction of the ultrasound beam.

Typically, the projected image 87 is displayed inside a cube marking the boundaries of the working volume. Typically, the workpiece volume refers to the coordinate system of the field radiating coil 30 of the positioning sub-system shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, each side of the cube (ie, the characteristic dimension of the workpiece volume) is about 12 cm. Alternatively, any other suitable size or shape may be selected for the workpiece volume, typically depending on the tissue penetrating ability of the ultrasound beam.

The signal display 91 at the bottom of the figure shows an ECG signal, in which several measurements are synchronized for that ECG signal.

As the system 20 operates in real time, the position and orientation of the icon 83 and the projected image changes with the movement of the catheter 28. In some embodiments, the surgeon can use an interactive display to change the viewing angle for the displayed image, zoom in and zoom out, and perform other manipulations. The user interface features described herein are shown in an exemplary form. Any other suitable user interface can be used.

In some embodiments, system 20 and associated user interface may be used for projection and 2-D display of 2-D ultrasound images, without reconstruction of the 3-D model. For example, the surgeon may acquire a single 2-D ultrasound image and tag the interest-contours on that image. Thereafter, the system 20 can orient and project the ultrasound image in 3-D space in a manner similar to the representation of the projected image 87. If necessary, during the medical procedure, the system continuously tracks and displays the 3-D position of the catheter (which may be different from the catheter acquiring image 87) performing the procedure on the projected ultrasound image and the tagged contour. can do.

FIG. 7 shows a skeletal model of the target structure, this example comprising a right ventricle generated by an image processor according to 3-D reconstruction step 58 of the method of FIG. 3 above. Prior to generation of the skeletal structure, according to the automatic tagging step 54, the image processor tracks and reconstructs the contours 84 and 86 in the untagged ultrasound image. 7 shows original contours 84, 86 projected into 3-D space. Contours 88 are automatically reconstructed from other contours tagged by the surgeon by the image processor.

8 shows a 3-D model of the right ventricle generated by the image processor. Part of the contour 88 is superimposed on the solid model. In addition, an outline 89 representing the left ventricle may be shown in the figure. The surface of the right ventricle is measured by the electrode 46 according to the overlapping step 60 of the method of FIG. 3 above, thereby overlapping the electrical activity map 90. The map represents different potential values using different colors (shown in different shaded patterns in FIG. 8).

9 and 10 are images visually showing the left atrium modeled according to the embodiment of the present invention. In both figures, the atria are shown in solid model 92. The contour 94 tagged by the surgeon marks the location of the fossa ovalis. Contour 96 marks the additional interest-contour used to construct solid model 92. In FIG. 10, the 2-D ultrasound image 98 is recorded with the coordinate system of the model 92 and displayed with the model.

11 visually illustrates an ultrasound image 102 recorded with a pre-acquired image 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the pre-acquired CT image is recorded with the coordinate system of the 3-D model. The pre-acquired image and the 2-D ultrasound image are displayed together on the display 44.

While the embodiments described above specifically relate to ultrasound imaging using invasive probes such as cardiac catheter, the principles of the present invention also relate to internal or external ultrasound probes (eg, trans-thoracic) mounted with a positioning sensor. Probe) can be used to reconstruct a 3-D model of an organ. Additionally or alternatively, the disclosed method as described above can be used for 3-D modeling of organs other than the heart. Additionally or alternatively, other diagnostic and treatment information, such as tissue thickness and incision temperature, can be superimposed on the 3-D model in the manner of electrical activity overlap described above. The 3-D model can be used in conjunction with other diagnostic or surgical procedures such as resection catheters. The 3-D model can also be used in connection with other procedures such as atrial septal defect closure, spinal surgery and certain minimally invasive procedures.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative and that the invention is not limited to the specific scope described and illustrated herein. Rather, the scope of the present invention will include combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described herein, and embodiments and modifications of the embodiments which will be understood by those skilled in the art and not disclosed in the prior art. Examples will also be included.

A medical imaging system for imaging a patient's body includes a catheter comprising a position sensor and an ultrasonic imaging sensor, the position sensor transmitting an electrical signal representing position information of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body, wherein the ultrasonic imaging sensor Transmits ultrasonic energy to a target in the patient's body, receives ultrasonic echo reflected from a target in the patient's body, and transmits a signal related to ultrasonic echo reflected from the target in the patient's body. A positioning processor is operatively coupled to the catheter to determine positional information of a portion of the catheter based on the electrical signal transmitted by the position sensor. The system also includes a display and the catheter, positioning processor and an image processor operatively coupled to the display. The image processor displays a catheter icon on the display in the same orientation as that of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body based on position information derived from the position sensor. The image processor also generates an ultrasound image of the target based on the signal transmitted by the ultrasound sensor, and is generated in the same orientation as the orientation of the catheter portion within the patient body based on the position information derived from the position sensor. An ultrasound image is shown in real time on the display.

Claims (13)

A medical imaging system for imaging a patient's body, The system includes a catheter comprising a position sensor and an ultrasonic imaging sensor; A positioning processor operatively coupled to the catheter for determining position information of the catheter portion based on the electrical signal transmitted by the position sensor; display; And An image processor operatively connected to the catheter, positioning processor and display, The position sensor transmits an electrical signal representing position information of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body, the ultrasound imaging sensor transmits ultrasound energy to a target in the patient's body, receives ultrasound echo reflected from the target in the patient's body, Transmit a signal related to ultrasonic echo reflected from a target in the patient's body, The image processor displays a catheter icon on the display in the same orientation as the orientation of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body based on position information derived from the position sensor, and also based on the signal transmitted by the ultrasonic sensor. A medical imaging system for generating an ultrasound image of a target and presenting the generated ultrasound image on the display in real time in the same orientation as the orientation of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body based on position information derived from the position sensor. The medical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the catheter icon is used to direct ultrasound energy transmitted from the catheter's ultrasound sensor to a target in the patient's body in a specific direction. The medical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the catheter icon is used to direct ultrasound energy transmitted from the catheter's ultrasound sensor to a target in the patient's body in a specific orientation. The medical imaging system of claim 2, wherein the catheter icon is also used to direct ultrasound energy transmitted from the catheter's ultrasound sensor to a target in the patient's body in a particular orientation. The medical imaging system of claim 2, wherein the orientation of the ultrasound image is shown on a display in real time in the same orientation as the catheter portion as the catheter is moved within the body of the patient. 6. The medical imaging system of claim 5, further comprising the use of a beam icon to represent the orientation of the ultrasound image in real time in the same orientation as the catheter portion. 7. The medical imaging system of claim 6, wherein the beam icon is shown colored on the display. 8. The medical imaging system of claim 7, wherein the beam icon is a web-like picture. 8. The medical imaging system of claim 7, wherein the beam icon is a fan-like picture. The medical imaging system of claim 2, further comprising an orientation icon appearing on the display in the same orientation as the ultrasound image shown on the display. The medical imaging system of claim 10, wherein the orientation icon comprises a shape of a target imaged with the catheter. The medical imaging system of claim 11, wherein the target comprises an anatomical structure. The medical imaging system of claim 2, wherein the ultrasound image is a two-dimensional image.

Images