Feature-based calibration of ultrasound imaging systems

An ultrasound imaging apparatus is disclosed for identifying anatomical objects in a field of view. The apparatus comprises an image interface for receiving 3D medical image data of a patient, and a segmentation unit for segmenting anatomical objects of the patient in the 3D medical image data and for providing segmentation data of the anatomical objects. An ultrasound acquisition unit including an ultrasound probe is included for acquiring ultrasound data of the patient. The apparatus further comprises a position determining unit for determining a position of the ultrasound probe, wherein the position determining unit includes a calibration unit for calibrating the position of the ultrasound probe on the basis of anatomical features of the patient. An identification unit is included in the apparatus for identifying the anatomical objects within the field of view of the ultrasound probe on the basis of the segmentation data and the position of the ultrasound probe.