In-body ultrasound image processing for cardiovascular interventions: A review

In this paper we have surveyed the recent developments in the area of in-body ultrasound imaging for cardiovascular interventions. With miniaturized ultrasound sensors integrated at the tip of the instruments (catheters, needles, endoscopes), the local anatomical sites can be imaged with high accuracy. We have covered the applications of TEE (Transesophageal echocardiography), ICE (intracardiac echocardiography) and IVUS (intravascular ultrasound) and the newly emerging therapy monitoring ultrasound. We particularly focus on advanced signal/image processing technologies and related topics such as tissue characterization, image segmentation, device tracking and multi-modality registration. In the context of in-body imaging, we are faced with more challenges than with the traditional external ultrasound imaging, particularly due to the cardiac dynamics. We need to strive for new solutions that provide more consistent, reliable and accurate analysis results for better clinical decision support.