C-Mode Real Time Tomographic Reflection for a Matrix Array Ultrasound Sonic Flashlight

Abstract

Real Time Tomographic Reflection (RTTR), permits in situ visualization of tomographic images, so that natural hand-eye coordination can be employed directly during invasive procedures. The method merges the visual outer surface of the patient with a simultaneous scan of the patient’s interior, using a half-silvered mirror. A viewpoint-independent virtual image is reflected precisely into the proper location. When applied to ultrasound, we call the resulting RTTR device the sonic flashlight. We have previously implemented the sonic flashlight using conventional 2D ultrasound. In this paper we present the first images from a new sonic flashlight based on Real Time 3D (RT3D) ultrasound, which uses a matrix array to electronically steer the ultrasound beam at very high speed. We show in situ C-mode images, which are parallel to the face of the transducer, of the hand and the cardiac ventricles.