Patent ID: 6171248
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: A61B,G01S

Abstract:
A method for registering image information acquired from an interior region of a patient, said method comprising the steps of:(a) inserting an ultrasonic probe into a patient to image an interior region of the patient, the ultrasonic probe having a body having a longitudinal axis, a circumference and a distal end region, a first ultrasound array disposed in the distal end region of the body and a second ultrasound array disposed in the distal end region of the body;(b) acquiring a plurality of sets of image data with the first ultrasound array, the first ultrasound array moved between acquisition of at least some of the sets of image data;(c) acquiring a plurality of sets of tracking data with the second ultrasound array, the second ultrasound array moved between acquisition of at least some of the sets of tracking data;(d) automatically determining a component of motion based on a comparison of at least a portion of the tracking sets acquired in step (c); and(e) automatically using the component of motion determined in step to register select ones of the image data sets acquired in step (b).