Integration of Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Display and 3D Ultrasound for the In Situ Visualisation of Ultrasound-Guided Interventions

This thesis proposes the integration between a 3D ultrasound imaging system and a wearable augmented reality video see-through head-mounted display with an associated platform. The idea is to use the integrated system as guidance during in-depth high-precision manual tasks, such as targeting interventions (namely, biopsies, dissections, etc.). The integrated system can show the 3D model of the target (derived from the volumetric ultrasound acquisition), along with the additive virtual graphical aid specifically designed to suit the procedure to be guided, both superimposed and registered over the patient’s anatomy. The aim is to exploit the virtual guidance to improve performance accuracy. The proposed integrated system has the potential to be used as a navigation system for the guidance of ultrasound-guided interventions. Moreover, due to its ability in simplifying the anatomical three-dimensional understanding and spatial coordination and orientation of inexperienced users, it could profitably be used as a learning and training tool for new operators approaching this discipline.