Aaron Fenster,Professor,Robarts Research Institute, Western University, Canada
AAPM Fellow
Title: 3D Ultrasound Imaging for Image-Guided Intervention
Abstract:
The last three decades have witnessed unprecedented developments of new imaging systems making use of 3D visualization. These
new technologies have revolutionized diagnostic radiology, as they provide the clinician with information about the interior of the
human body never before available. Ultrasound imaging is an important cost-effective technique used routinely in the management
of a number of diseases. However, 2D viewing of 3D anatomy, using conventional ultrasound, limits our ability to quantify and
visualize the anatomy and guide therapy, because multiple 2D images must be integrated mentally. This practice is inefficient, and
leads to variability and incorrect diagnoses. Also, since the 2D ultrasound image represents a thin plane at an arbitrary angle in
the body, reproduction of this plane at a later time is difficult.
Over the past 2 decades, investigators have addressed these limitations by developing 3D ultrasound techniques. We will describe
developments of 3D ultrasound imaging instrumentation and techniques for use in image-guided interventions. As ultrasound imaging
is an interactive imaging modality, providing the physician with real-time visualization of anatomy and function, the development of
image analysis and guidance tools is challenging. Typically, these tools require segmentation, classification, tracking and visualization
of pathology and instruments to be executed in real-time, accurately, reproducibly and robustly. As an illustration of these needs,
we will present some image-guided intervention applications that would benefit from these developments. Specific examples cover
prostate biopsy and therapy for diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer and image-guided focal ablation of liver cancer.