Patent · US Active

Imager focusing based on intraoperative data

US9282947B2 · kind B2 · utility

31Cited by
97References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 18, 2010
Grant dateMar 15, 2016
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 19, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01S15/8993
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Various embodiments herein provide for imager focusing based on intraoperative data. Ideally, an imaging plane of an ultrasound transducer would be truly planar. That is not the case, though. Instead, ultrasound transducers image a volume that is closer to a rectangular volume, but that has focal depths or areas in the imaged volume that are “thinner” and provide a better resolution. In general, embodiments herein may include determining the pose of an imager, such as an ultrasound transducer, and the pose of a location of interest. Based on those poses, a focal adjustment may be determined in order to, for example, better focus the imager on the object of interest. Then data is generated and the focus of the imager is adjusted. Additionally, imaging data and/or the object of interest may be displayed. In other embodiments, estimated projections of medical devices are displayed to allow for better intraoperative planning.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.