An integrated television and real-time ultrasonic imaging system

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Ultrasonic Technology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Traditional ultrasonic imaging lacks integrated patient data and precise positional information.
• Difficulty in relocating the scanner accurately on successive examinations hinders longitudinal studies.
• Interpreting complex ultrasonic scans can be challenging without contextual data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance ultrasonic imaging systems by integrating patient data and scanner positional information.
• To improve the accuracy and ease of interpreting recorded ultrasonic scans.
• To facilitate the precise relocation of the ultrasonic scanner in follow-up examinations.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a mechanical sector scanning ultrasonic imaging system with a video character generator.
• Utilizing an infrared-sensitive television camera to overlay patient data and scanner position onto the ultrasonic image.
• Recording the composite image onto video tape with simultaneous audio commentary from the examiner.

Main Results:

• Successfully added patient data and scanner position information to recorded ultrasonic images.
• Created a permanent, composite record of ultrasonic examinations.
• Demonstrated improved ease of scan interpretation and scanner relocation in subsequent procedures.

Conclusions:

• The integrated system significantly enhances the utility of ultrasonic imaging for clinical practice.
• Improved data recording and positional accuracy lead to more reliable diagnostic information.
• This technological advancement supports better patient management through enhanced imaging capabilities.