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Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for processing a plurality of ultrasound images of ductolobular systems in a breast. The operator scans each particular duct system in the breast and saves these axial scan segments. Further, the operator scans the ductolobular systems transaxially. The imaging system, interactively with the operator, aligns the axial scan segments of the duct. This is accomplished by electronically noting the radial direction of the axial scan or by identifying two like image points on respective, sequential axial scan segments. A composite axial scan image in compiled by aligning multiple, sequential axial scan segments together. The associated transductal scan images are mapped to the axial scan segment. The composite axial scan image is displayed with a clockface template of the breast, a vertical, cross-section template of the breast and a three dimensional composite image of the breast. To form the three dimensional composite image, the operator must axially scan the ductal system through at least two scan planes which are radially centered about the axial centerline of the duct's axis. For example, the images are scanned at 45.degree. with respect to the skin of the patient and at 110.degree. with respect to the skin surface wherein both scans include the same axial segment of the duct. To form the three-dimensional image, the system aligns and forms two full axial composite images at each scan angle, then aligns the ductal centerlines of both axial composite images. Each scan plane image is displayed at an angle with respect to the other plane and a composite three dimensional image is formed with a template showing the nipple. Color coding, magnification of ductolobular systems, and image isolation are enhancements to the basic imaging system.

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First Claim