Correction of Probe Pressure Artifacts in Freehand 3 D Ultrasound — Initial Results

We present an algorithm which combines non-rigid image-based registration and conventional position sensing to correct probe-pressure-induced registration errors in freehand three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound volumes. The local accuracy of image-based registration enables the accurate freehand acquisition of high resolution (> 15MHz) 3D ultrasound data, opening the way for 3D musculoskeletal examinations. External position sensor readings guarantee the large-scale positional accuracy of the data. The algorithm is shown to increase both the clarity and accuracy of reslices through in vivo volumetric data sets.