3D power doppler ultrasound visualisation - Isis Project No 7710

Software and methods for standardisation and measurement of properties at a 3D interface or surface.

Ultrasound alternative

The Oxford invention is a way to better visualise and measure properties at a biological interface (a boundary between tissues or different areas in an organ) from 3D ultrasound. However, the method is not restricted to ultrasound data. A curved surface is identified in the 3D volume and then “flattened” to provide a 2D morphological and functional map.

Uterus to placenta blood flow

This method has initially been developed to provide a tool to investigate the blood flow that passes between the maternal uterus and the placenta during pregnancy. The blood flow is thought to be indicative of how the pregnancy is progressing based on 2D studies as well as work in histopathology. This is currently an area of high clinical research activity and the tool provides a much needed way to advance clinical understanding.

Multiple uses

The invention also has potential clinical value as an intra uterine growth restriction (IUGR) & pre-eclampsia screening tool in the future. Boundaries can also occur in tumours or organs – for example the liver – where blood flows are currently observable using ultrasound. This method essentially investigates a delineated boundary and any flow (or features passing through the surface) detectable with ultrasound. Other biological features might include, for instance, layers of tissue or fibres. However, the flow and boundary do not have to be biological. The methods to extract and flatten are not limited to ultrasound images, but could be used for other imaging modalities and non human subjects.

Patent protection

A patent has been applied for. Isis would like to talk to companies that are interested in licensing this technology. Please contact the Project Manager using the link below.

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