US Patent 7217242 Ultrasonic method for visualizing brachytheraphy seeds

Methods are provided for enhancing the image of brachytherapy seeds implanted in tissue using a transrectal ultrasound apparatus. In a first arrangement the resonance of the seeds is determined and the seeds are insonified using acoustic signals having a resonance frequency of the seeds to cause the seeds to vibrate. The vibrating seeds have enhanced detection using a Doppler ultrasound device. In a second arrangement the acoustic signature of the seeds is determined and used to enhance the imaging of the seeds using a correlation function. In a third arrangement images are taken of the tissue and implanted seeds prior to and during the application of mechanical stress to the tissue. A correlation between the unstressed and stressed tissue can cause enhanced imaging of the seeds.