Three-dimensional ultrasound computed tomography imaging system

Abstract

A three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound computed tomography (UCT) system for providing a 3-D image of a target is presented. The 3-D UCT system includes an imaging chamber having a plurality of piezoelectric elements. The plurality of piezoelectric elements are arranged as a plurality of cylindrical rings. When activated, the plurality of piezoelectric elements generate and receive an ultrasound signal in a cone beam form. The 3-D UCT system also includes a processor coupled to the imaging chamber. The processor receives and processes the ultrasound signal and constructs the 3-D image of the target. A display device is also included with the 3-D UCT system. The display device exhibits the 3-D image of the target for analysis.

1 . An apparatus for forming a three-dimensional ultrasound computed tomography image of human breast tissue comprising: 
 a fluid filled imaging chamber having a plurality of cylindrical rings, said plurality of cylindrical rings having a plurality of omnidirectional transceivers disposed thereon;    a controller coupled to each of said omnidirectional transceivers for selectively activating one of said transceivers to transmit a wave at said human breast tissue and several of said omnidirectional transceivers to receive the waves propagated through said human breast tissue; and    an imaging processing unit coupled to said plurality of omnidirectional transceivers for processing information from said fluid filled imaging chamber and for constructing a three-dimensional image of said human breast tissue therefrom.    
   
   
       2 . A method of imaging a human breast three-dimensionally, comprising the steps of: 
 placing a human breast into a fluid filled imaging chamber of an ultrasound computed tomography imaging apparatus;    applying an input waveform to a series of transmitting elements in sequence, said input waveform creating a wave front wherein said wave front propagates through said human breast;    receiving said wave front by receiving elements, wherein said receiving elements generate an electrical signal;    processing said electrical signal thereby producing a three-dimensional image of said human breast.