Systems and methods for registering images obtained using various imaging modalities and verifying image registration
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods to detect a moving anatomic feature during a treatment sequence based on a computed and/or a measured shortest distance between the anatomic feature and at least a portion of an imaging system.
1. A method for detecting a moving anatomic feature during a treatment sequence having a plurality of treatment periods, the method comprising:
activating an external image-acquisition device to measure a shortest distance between the anatomic feature and at least a portion of the external image-acquisition device during the treatment sequence;
comparing the measured shortest distance in a current treatment period to the measured shortest distance in a previous treatment period to determine a deviation therefrom; and
determining movement of the anatomic feature based on the deviation.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the shortest distance between the anatomic feature and the at least a portion of the external image-acquisition device is measured based on signals transmitted from and received by the external image-acquisition device.
3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising comparing the deviation to a predetermined threshold and determining movement of the anatomic feature based on the comparison.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the external image-acquisition device comprises an ultrasound transducer system.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the shortest distance between the anatomic feature and the at least a portion of the external image-acquisition device is measured acoustically.
6. A system for detecting a moving anatomic feature during a treatment sequence having a plurality of treatment periods, the system comprising:
an external image-acquisition device for measuring a shortest distance between the anatomic feature and at least a portion of the external image-acquisition device during the treatment sequence; and
a controller in communication with the external image-acquisition device, the controller being configured to:
compare the measured shortest distance in a current treatment period to the measured shortest distance in a previous treatment period to determine a deviation therefrom; and
determine movement of the anatomic feature based on the deviation.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the controller is further configured to measure the shortest distance between the anatomic feature and the at least a portion of the external image-acquisition device based on signals transmitted from and received by the external image-acquisition device.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the controller is further configured to compare the deviation to a predetermined threshold and determine movement of the anatomic feature based on the comparison.
9. The system of claim 6 , wherein the external image-acquisition device comprises an ultrasound transducer system.