Synthetic aperture focusing for a single-element transducer undergoing helical motion

A novel design framework of synthetic radial aperture focusing for volumetric transrectal ultrasound imaging

In this paper, we present a novel design framework of synthetic radial aperture focusing for three-dimensional (3D) transrectal ultrasound imaging (TRUS-rSAF), in which multiple transmittance/reception events at different scanning angles are synthesized to reconstruct a radial plane in the target volume, securing high spatial resolution and texture uniformity. A theory-based design approach has not been available to push the envelope of the 3D rSAF technique. Herein, a closed-form analytical description of the TRUS-rSAF method is presented for the first time, effectively delineating spatial resolution and grating lobe positions in the radial dimension of a TRUS transducer. We demonstrate a solid optimization workflow based on the theoretical foundation to improve its spatiotemporal resolution, grating lobe artifacts, and signal-to-noise ratio. A specific design criterion was considered to outperform a clinical 3D TRUS imaging as a reference (TRUS-REF), where each radial plane is reconstructed with a single transmittance/reception event using a motorized actuator. The optimized TRUS-rSAF method significantly enhanced spatial resolution up to 50% over the TRUS-REF method while providing clinically effective temporal resolution (2-8 volume/sec) with negligible grating lobe artifacts. The results indicate that the proposed design approach would enable a novel TRUS imaging solution in clinics.

Forming Large Effective Ultrasound Arrays Using the Swept Synthetic Aperture Technique

Ultrasound image quality is intrinsically linked to the hardware used to collect image data. For deep abdominal imaging, diffraction-limited resolution prevents the detection of small targets such as cancerous lesions. Larger ultrasound arrays produce finer lateral image resolution and improved image quality. We introduced a method called "swept synthetic aperture" (SSA) imaging to synthetically create large effective arrays with reduced complexity of both transducer and scanner hardware. A commercial 2-D transducer array and ultrasound scanner were used to form a large effective aperture. Array position and orientation were carefully prescribed throughout a sweep of the transducer using mechanical fixtures to rigidly control the motion. Calibration of the mechanical fixture was measured using a point target phantom and applied in post-processing. Improvements in resolution and contrast as functions of aperture size were measured from point and lesion target phantoms, respectively. SSA imaging presents a technique to both evaluate the performance of large array designs in the presence of clutter-inducing body wall targets and achieve high-quality imaging from reduced-complexity ultrasound hardware.

Evaluation of Reconstruction Methodology for Helical Scan Guided Photoacoustic Endoscopy

Photoacoustic endoscopy (PAE), combining both advantages of optical contrast and acoustic resolution, can visualize the chemical-specific optical information of tissues inside human-body. Recently, its corresponding reconstruction methods have been extensively researched. However, most of them are limited on cylindrical scan trajectories, rather than a helical scan which is more clinically practical. On this note, this article proposes a methodology of imaging reconstruction and evaluation for helical scan guided PAE. Different from traditional reconstruction method, synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT), our method reconstructs image using wavefield extrapolation which significantly improves computational efficiency and even takes only 0.25 seconds for 3-D reconstructions. In addition, the proposed evaluation methodology can estimate the resolutions and deviations of reconstructed images in advance, and then can be used to optimize the PAE scan parameters. Groups of simulations as well as ex-vivo experiments with different scan parameters are provided to fully demonstrate the performance of the proposed techniques. The quantitatively measured angular resolutions and deviations agree well with our theoretical derivation results D√{r_s² +h²} / [1.25(r_s r_d +h²)] (rad) and -h l / (r_s r_d +h²) (rad), respectively D,r_d, r_s,h and l represent transducer diameter, radius of scan trajectory, radius of source position, unit helical pitch and the distance from targets to helical scan plane, respectively). This theoretical result also suits for circular and cylindrical scan in case of h = 0 .

A High Frequency Geometric Focusing Transducer Based on 1-3 Piezocomposite for Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging

Due to the small aperture of blood vessel, a considerable disadvantage to current intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging transducers is that their lateral imaging resolution is much lower than their axial resolution. To solve this problem, a single-element, 50 MHz, 0.6 mm diameter IVUS transducer with a geometric focus at 3 mm was proposed in this paper. The focusing transducer was based on a geometric-shaped 1-3 piezocomposite. The impedance/phase, pulse echo, acoustic intensity field, and imaging resolution of the focusing transducer were tested. For comparison, a flat IVUS transducer with the same diameter and 1-3 piezocomposite was made and tested too. Compared with their results, the fabricated focusing transducer exhibits broad bandwidth (107.21%), high sensitivity (404 mV), high axial imaging resolution (80 μm), and lateral imaging resolution (100 μm). The experimental results demonstrated that the high frequency geometric focusing piezocomposite transducer is capable of visualizing high axial and lateral resolution structure and improving the imaging quality of related interventional ultrasound imaging.

Synthetic aperture focusing technique for photoacoustic endoscopy

Photoacoustic endoscopy (PAE) is a promising tool for the detection of atherosclerotic plaque. In this work, we propose a novel design of a side-viewing PAE probe based on a synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) to enable high transverse resolution over large depth of focus (DOF) along the radial direction. A point-like ultrasonic detector is used to ensure a wide detection angle and thus a large synthetic aperture for SAFT. We first perform numerical simulation to optimize the PAE probe design, which involves the placement of the point-like detector and the diameter of a reflection rod mirror. Then, experiments are conducted based on the optimized probe design. High transverse resolution of 115-190 µm over large DOF of 3.5 mm along the radial direction is experimentally obtained. The SAFT-based PAE holds promise for endoscopic imaging with a high transverse resolution for both the surface and deep regions of tissue.

Development of a Low-Cost Medical Ultrasound Scanner Using a Monostatic Synthetic Aperture

OBJECTIVE

In this paper, we present the design of low-cost medical ultrasound scanners aimed at the detection of maternal mortality risk factors in developing countries.

METHOD

Modern ultrasound scanners typically employ a high element count transducer array with multichannel transmit and receive electronics. To minimize hardware costs, we employ a single piezoelectric element, mechanically swept across the target scene, and a highly cost-engineered single channel acquisition circuit. Given this constraint, we compare the achievable image quality of a monostatic fixed focus scanner (MFFS) with a monostatic synthetic aperture scanner (MSAS) using postfocusing. Quantitative analysis of image quality was carried out using simulation and phantom experiments, which were used to compare a proof-of-concept MSAS prototype with an MFFS device currently available on the market. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed to validate the MSAS prototype in obstetric imaging.

RESULTS

Simulations show that the achievable lateral resolution of the MSAS approach is superior at all ranges compared to the fixed focus approach. Phantom experiments verify the improved resolution of the MSAS prototype but reveal a lower signal to noise ratio. In vivo experiments show promising results using the MSAS for clinical diagnostics in prenatal care.

CONCLUSION

The proposed MSAS achieves superior resolution but lower SNR compared to an MFFS approach, principally due to lower acoustic energy emitted.

SIGNIFICANCE

The production costs of the proposed MSAS could be an order of magnitude lower than any other ultrasound system on the market today, bringing affordable obstetric imaging a step closer for developing countries.

Feasibility of Swept Synthetic Aperture Ultrasound Imaging

Ultrasound image quality is often inherently limited by the physical dimensions of the imaging transducer. We hypothesize that, by collecting synthetic aperture data sets over a range of aperture positions while precisely tracking the position and orientation of the transducer, we can synthesize large effective apertures to produce images with improved resolution and target detectability. We analyze the two largest limiting factors for coherent signal summation: aberration and mechanical uncertainty. Using an excised canine abdominal wall as a model phase screen, we experimentally observed an effective arrival time error ranging from 18.3 ns to 58 ns (root-mean-square error) across the swept positions. Through this clutter-generating tissue, we observed a 72.9% improvement in resolution with only a 3.75 dB increase in side lobe amplitude compared to the control case. We present a simulation model to study the effect of calibration and mechanical jitter errors on the synthesized point spread function. The relative effects of these errors in each imaging dimension are explored, showing the importance of orientation relative to the point spread function. We present a prototype device for performing swept synthetic aperture imaging using a conventional 1-D array transducer and ultrasound research scanner. Point target reconstruction error for a 44.2 degree sweep shows a reconstruction precision of 82.8 μm and 17.8 μm in the lateral and axial dimensions respectively, within the acceptable performance bounds of the simulation model. Improvements in resolution, contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio are demonstrated in vivo and in a fetal phantom.

Synthetic aperture imaging for multilayer cylindrical object using an exterior rotating transducer

The synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) with significant improvements in lateral resolution has been adapted for ultrasound imaging of multilayer objects. To apply SAFT to imaging of cylindrical objects such as solid axles or pipes with small diameter, exterior cylindrical scan is much preferred. In this paper, a frequency-domain algorithm is proposed for such cylindrical scan performed with an exterior rotating transducer. The algorithm is derived from Fourier-domain solutions to the waveequation in cylindrical coordinates, and then extended to the multilayer case. A simulation model for multilayer structure is established, and the algorithm is demonstrated for both simulated and experimental data. Compared with the raw images, the reconstructed images with proposed algorithm attain better lateral resolution for multilayer objects. It is shown that the attainable angular resolution for each layer is approximately consistent with that achieved in the single-layer case, as long as the transmission factors are approximately uniform within the divergence angle of the transducer. The performance of proposed algorithm is verified with experimental C-scan image and demonstrates that it is capable of improving the lateral resolution in both scanning directions.