2D localization of specular reflections using ultrasound

Image guidance during cardiac interventions is primarily performed using X-ray fluoroscopy. For some applications, fluoroscopy may be complemented or possibly replaced by ultrasound imaging. However, good visualization of catheters and guide wires can be challenging using ultrasound. In this paper we present a novel method to locate and track a metallic device in real time using two-dimensional ultrasound. The method exploits channel data to identify specular reflections. An approach to characterize the directional echo and differentiate from diffuse backscattering is evaluated. Spatially resolved images are generated with directional properties of the specular objects depicted. The proposed method has been evaluated experimentally using a linear probe. Results of this method showed that the location as well as the angular orientation of a specular reflector can be detected provided its orientation is within a given range.