3D reconstruction and image fusion using transurethral ultrasound

Prostate imaging commonly performed using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), has been unable to image the prostate in real-time 3D. Transurethral ultrasound (TUUS), a new method of prostate imaging, may provide a solution. We developed a 3D reconstruction method for transurethral ultrasound using a radially-phased catheter transducer, and performed an in vitro validation and comparison with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The 3D reconstruction method was able to generate TUUS volumes in a near real-time fashion. Calculated volumes of a prostate phantom were similar in all three methods. Inserted fiducial markers were better visualized in TUUS. MR-TUUS fusion was demonstrated using current registration algorithms optimized for TRUS. Future improvements to the volume reconstruction and MR fusion accuracy may enable TUUS to become an aid in prostate cancer diagnosis.