SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING A TOOL IN AN ULTRASOUND IMAGE

The invention provides a method for monitoring a location of a tool in an ultrasound image. The method includes acquiring a plurality of 2D ultrasound images by way of an ultrasound transducer, wherein at least one of the plurality of 2D ultrasound images comprises a part of the tool and generating a 3D ultrasound image from said plurality of 2D ultrasound images. A first location of the tool is then identified within the 3D ultrasound image. An additional 2D ultrasound image, and location information relating to the location of the ultrasound transducer during capture of the additional 2D ultrasound image, is then acquired and the 3D ultrasound image updated based on the additional 2D ultrasound image and the location information. A location of the tool with respect to the additional 2D ultrasound image is then identified within the updated 3D ultrasound image based only on imaging data of the updated 3D ultrasound image.