Integration of ultrasound and x-ray modalities

Abstract

The present invention relates to image acquisition technology. In particular, the present invention relates to tracking of an object of interest in ultrasound image information. For interventional procedures, an object of interest, e.g. the tool by which a procedure is performed, is depicted in image information acquired by a certain imaging modality. However, e.g. during transcatheter intracardiac procedures, tools are employed, which are rather narrow objects that may experience substantive passive motion due to heartbeat and blood flow as well as active motion due to the interventionist steering the tool. The present invention to allows steering two-dimensional ultrasound image acquisition, in particular steering of an imaging plane of an ultrasound image acquisition device, so that an object of interest remains visible in the acquired images, in particular without continuous readjustment of imaging parameters. Accordingly, a method for ultrasound image acquisition, in particular for tracking an object of interest in ultrasound image information, is provided comprising receiving ( 12 ) X-ray image information ( 40 ) and ultrasound image information ( 42 ), detecting ( 14 ) an object of interest ( 36 ) in the X-ray image information ( 40 ) and steering ( 16 ) two-dimensional ultrasound image acquisition such that the object of interest ( 36 ) is within a first ultrasound image plane ( 42 ).

1 . Method for ultrasound image acquisition, in particular for tracking an object of interest in ultrasound image information, comprising
 receiving X-ray image information and ultrasound image information;   detecting an object of interest in the X-ray image information; and   steering two-dimensional ultrasound image acquisition such that the object of interest is within a first ultrasound image plane; and   wherein the first ultrasound image plane comprises the X-ray source, the ultrasound source and the projection of the object of interest in the X-ray image information.   
     
     
         2 . Method according to  claim 1 , further comprising
 registering the X-ray image information and the ultrasound image information for obtaining a spatial relation between the X-ray image information and the ultrasound image information.   
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . Method according to  claim 1 , further comprising
 visualizing the two-dimensional ultrasound image information of the first ultrasound image plane.   
     
     
         5 . Method to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the ultrasound source is a TEE ultrasound source; and/or   wherein the object of interest is an interventional device.   
     
     
         6 . Method to  claim 1 , further comprising
 obtaining second ultrasound image information corresponding to a second ultrasound image plane comprising the ultrasound source and the object of interest defining a line in between such that a degree of freedom is available for orienting the second ultrasound image plane about the line.   
     
     
         7 . Method to  claim 1 , further comprising
 adjusting the thickness of at least one of the first ultrasound image plane and the second ultrasound image plane to aid in having the object of interest is within at least one of the respective image planes.   
     
     
         8 . System for ultrasound image acquisition, in particular for tracking an object of interest in ultrasound image information comprising
 an X-ray system having an X-ray source and an X-ray detector;   an ultrasound system;   wherein the system is adapted to receive X-ray image information and ultrasound image information; to detect an object of interest in the X-ray image information; and to steer two-dimensional ultrasound image acquisition such that the object of interest is within a first ultrasound image plane; and   wherein the first ultrasound image plane comprises the X-ray source, the ultrasound source and the projection of the object of interest in the X-ray image information.   
     
     
         9 . System according to  claim 8 , further comprising
 a processing element;   a control element; and   a display unit.   
     
     
         10 . Computer-readable medium, in which a computer program for ultrasound image acquisition, in particular for tracking an object of interest in ultrasound image information is stored, which computer program, when being executed by a processing element, is adapted to carry out the method according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         11 . Program element for ultrasound image acquisition, in particular for tracking an object of interest in ultrasound image information, which program element, when being executed by a processing element, is adapted to carry out the method according to  claim 1 .