ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING LOCATIONS OF AN INVASIVE MEDICAL DEVICE

摘要

A diagnostic ultrasound system is provided, e.g., which acquires volume image data by sub- sampling a volumetric region with a low (widely spaced) scan plane density. A transducer can be pointed in a section of the volumetric region that includes an invasive medical device and, the volumetric region can be quickly scanned and used to identify the invasive medical device. The system locates a scan plane of an array transducer that is aligned with the invasive medical device. An ultrasound image of the invasive medical device and surrounding tissue is displayed and used to guide the device during an interventional procedure. In addition, the sub-sampling of the volumetric region is repeatedly scanned so as to provide a real-time location of the invasive device and to continually show the device in plane by shifting which scan plane is being imaged by the array transducer.