Scanning techniques for three-dimensional forward-viewing intravascular ultrasound imaging

Intravascular ultrasound (US) imaging is a useful tool for assessing arterial disease and aiding treatment procedures. Forward-viewing intravascular US imaging could be of particular use in severely stenosed or totally occluded arteries, where the current side-viewing intravascular US systems are limited by their inability to access the site of interest. In this study, five 3-D forward-viewing intravascular scanning patterns were investigated. The work was carried out using scaled-up vessel phantoms constructed from tissue-mimicking material and a PC-controlled scanning and acquisition system. The scanning patterns were examined and evaluated with regard to the image quality of dense and sparse data sets, the accuracy of quantitative measurements of lumen dimensions and the potential for clinical use. The relative merits and drawbacks of the different patterns are discussed and a preferred scanning pattern is recommended.