4D ultrasound image processing for computer aided diagnostic applications

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Thousands of Canadians die each year from non-visible internal injuries resulting from automobile & sports accidents, and - especially of late - military and peacekeeping engagement. Pinpointing the location and nature of these internal injuries as rapidly and precisely as possible dramatically improves patient outcomes. However, rapid diagnosis of internal injuries in an austere and possibly hostile front-line environment remains a challenge for medical and search and rescue personnel. Moreover, portable and easy-to-use 4D (i.e. real time 3D) non-invasive medical imaging systems are not yet commercially available, primarily because of unresolved major technological and engineering challenges. To address these challenges, it is proposed to develop a 4D ultrasound computer aided diagnostic imaging capability that will have minimal requirements for training, thus allowing medical practitioners to freely use the new 4D ultrasound concept in Emergency and Trauma diagnostic operations. This proposal addresses the recommendation of the NSERC Review Committee - 1510, relevant with the previous application, 203828-2010. The proposed investigations under this NSERC Discovery Grant will support only Graduate Students to be involved in algorithmic development of (1) adaptive 3D beaforming algorithms with volumetric visualization, which will extend the applicant's previous developments in the same area, (2) computer aided organ segmentation integrated with decision support processing for providing automated diagnostic capabilities for non-invasively detecting internal injuries and facilitating image guided surgery, in intensive care & emergency units and in remote areas with minimum requirements for training on ultrasound imaging. The two graduate (MASc, PhD) students that will be trained in the interdisciplinary fusion of 3D ultrasound imaging and advanced 3D beamforming processing will benefit also from over $10 million dollars in state-of-the-art equipment already in place. Ultimately, the project will lead to improvement of care for Canadians, and will also train a new generation of researchers and engineers who can further advance such life-critical technologies.