Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
Br J Radiol. 2012 Oct;85(1018):e919-24. doi: 10.1259/bjr/46007369.
This work is concerned with the creation of three-dimensional (3D) extended-field-of-view ultrasound from a set of volumes acquired using a mechanically swept 3D probe. 3D volumes of ultrasound data can be registered by attaching a position sensor to the probe; this can be an inconvenience in a clinical setting. A position sensor can also cause some misalignment due to patient movement and respiratory motion. We propose a combination of three-degrees-of-freedom image registration and an unobtrusively integrated inertial sensor for measuring orientation. The aim of this research is to produce a reliable and portable ultrasound system that is able to register 3D volumes quickly, making it suitable for clinical use.
As part of a feasibility study we recruited 28 pregnant females attending for routine obstetric scans to undergo 3D extended-field-of-view ultrasound. A total of 49 data sets were recorded. Each registered data set was assessed for correct alignment of each volume by two independent observers.
In 77-83% of the data sets more than four consecutive volumes registered. The successful registration relies on good overlap between volumes and is adversely affected by advancing gestational age and foetal movement.
The development of reliable 3D extended-field-of-view ultrasound may help ultrasound practitioners to demonstrate the anatomical relation of pathology and provide a convenient way to store data.
本研究旨在利用机械扫描三维探头获取的一组容积数据生成三维扩展视野超声。通过将位置传感器附在探头上来实现三维容积数据的配准，这在临床环境中可能会带来不便。位置传感器也可能由于患者运动和呼吸运动而导致一些配准不准确。我们提出了一种三维自由度图像配准和一种不引人注目的集成惯性传感器相结合的方法，用于测量方向。本研究的目的是开发一种可靠且便携的超声系统，能够快速配准三维容积，使其适用于临床应用。
作为一项可行性研究的一部分，我们招募了 28 名接受常规产科扫描的孕妇进行三维扩展视野超声检查。共记录了 49 组数据集。由两名独立观察者评估每个注册数据集的每个容积的正确对准情况。
在 77%-83%的数据集上，成功注册了四个以上连续的容积。成功的注册依赖于良好的容积重叠，并且会受到妊娠年龄增加和胎儿运动的不利影响。
可靠的三维扩展视野超声的发展可能有助于超声医师展示病理学的解剖关系，并提供一种方便的数据存储方式。
