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International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery

Published in:

01-06-2016 | Original Article

Guided ultrasound calibration: where, how, and how many calibration fiducials

Authors: Elvis C. S. Chen, Terry M. Peters, Burton Ma

Published in: International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery | Issue 6/2016

Abstract

Purpose

Many image-guided interventions rely on tracked ultrasound where the transducer is augmented with a tracking device. The relationship between the ultrasound image coordinate system and the tracking sensor must be determined accurately via probe calibration. We introduce a novel calibration framework guided by the prediction of target registration error (TRE): Between successive measurements of the calibration phantom, our framework guides the user in choosing the pose of the calibration phantom by optimizing TRE.

Methods

We introduced an oriented line calibration phantom and modeled the ultrasound calibration process as a point-to-line registration problem. We then derived a spatial stiffness model of point-to-line registration for estimating TRE magnitude at any target. Assuming isotropic, identical localization error, we used the model to estimate TRE for each pixel using the current calibration estimate. We then searched through the calibration tool space to find the pose for the next fiducial which maximally minimized TRE.

Results

Both simulation and experimental results suggested that TRE decreases monotonically, reaching an asymptote when a sufficient number of measurements (typically around 12) are made. Independent point reconstruction accuracy assessment showed sub-millimeter accuracy of the calibration framework.

Conclusion

We have introduced the first TRE-guided ultrasound calibration framework. Using a hollow straw as an oriented line phantom, we virtually constructed a rigid lines phantom and modeled the calibration process as a point-to-line registration. Highly accurate calibration was achieved with minimal measurements by using a spatial stiffness model of TRE to strategically choose the pose of the calibration phantom between successive measurements.

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Title: Guided ultrasound calibration: where, how, and how many calibration fiducials
Authors: Elvis C. S. Chen
Terry M. Peters
Burton Ma
Publication date: 01-06-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery / Issue 6/2016
Print ISSN: 1861-6410
Electronic ISSN: 1861-6429
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-016-1390-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Guided ultrasound calibration: where, how, and how many calibration fiducials

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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