Semi-Automatic Tool for Dynamic Contour Tracking in Image-Guided Ultrasound Procedures

Tracking tools for target structures in ultrasound imaging are a crucial point in the development of semi-autonomous image guided procedures. This paper presents an algorithm for semi-autonomous target-structure tracking, which uses a parametric active contour model with a Fourier descriptor formulation. The algorithm is tested in a soft real-time scenario, and its robustness is analysed w.r.t. probe translation and rotation, including also target structure deformations. In terms of temporal performance, the algorithm implemented in MATLAB has shown the ability to operate easily at 25 fps when coupled with an ultrasound probe, showing however capability to reach 40 fps when tested as a standalone algorithm.