Standardized Transducer Placement Representation for Improved Reviewability of Ultrasound Examinations

Abstract

Demographic change is increasing the need for autonomous healthcare solutions. In ultrasound imaging, robotic systems offer strong potential for automating examinations. However, robotic ultrasound examinations separate image acquisition from image assessment, which are conventionally performed simultaneously by a professional. Therefore, a standardized representation of ultrasound scans in relation to the human body is essential for reliable retrospective interpretation. In this work, we present a method for the visualization of ultrasound data in a spatial context. We perform synchronized recordings of transducer paths and patient surface geometry, using an RGB-D camera. The patient’s body surface is densely detected, with correspondences to a standardized body model. Our proposed approach preserves the spatial context of the recorded data and provides a consistent anatomical reference for improved examination documentation and retrospective diagnostic assessment. This forms a basis for future automated and robotic ultrasound workflows, where the examination itself can be robotized and the decoupled diagnostic assessment is performed by trained medical staff.