Enhanced Ultrasound Visualization for Procedure Guidance
Contributors: Howe, Robert; Pfister, Hanspeter; Zickler, Todd
Published: 2014
Language: eng
Description: Intra-cardiac procedures often involve fast-moving anatomic structures with large spatial extent and high geometrical complexity. Real-time visualization of the moving structures and instrument-tissue contact is crucial to the success of these procedures. Real-time 3D ultrasound is a promising modality for procedure guidance as it offers improved spatial orientation information relative to 2D ultrasound. Imaging rates at 30 fps enable good visualization of instrument-tissue interactions, far faster than the volumetric imaging alternatives (MR/CT). Unlike fluoroscopy, 3D ultrasound also allows better contrast of soft tissues, and avoids the use of ionizing radiation.
Notes: Keywords: GPU, image processing, procedure guidance, robotics, ultrasound, visualization.

Thesis Ph.D. Harvard University 2014