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Influence of microbubble shell properties on ultrasound signal: Implications for low-power perfusion imaging
Howard Leong-Poi1, Ji Song, Se-Joong Rim
1Cardiovascular Imaging Center, Cardiovascular Division, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, USA.
Abstract:
Low mechanical index perfusion imaging relies on the detection of signals produced by microbubble oscillation at low acoustic powers that results in minimal microbubble destruction. We hypothesized that the optimal acoustic power for real-time imaging would differ for microbubbles with different shell characteristics. Three microbubble agents with varying shell elastic properties according to their polymer composition were studied. Differences in the elastic properties of these microbubbles was demonstrated by: (1) measurement of their bulk modulus and (2) evaluation of their acoustic lability by microscopic visualization of microbubble destruction during insonification at incremental acoustic powers. The ultrasound signal generated by these microbubbles at various mechanical indexes and the degree of microbubble destruction during continuous imaging was determined both in an in vitro flow system and during in vivo imaging in an open-chest canine model. Both studies indicated that optimal power for achieving maximal signal intensity with minimal microbubble destruction was influenced by the shell elastic properties. We conclude that the acoustic power for maximizing acoustic signal without destroying microbubbles during low mechanical index imaging varies according to shell characteristics.
Insights
Optimal acoustic power for low mechanical index perfusion imaging depends on microbubble shell characteristics. Adjusting power maximizes signal while minimizing microbubble destruction for better ultrasound imaging.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Ultrasound Technology
Background:
- Low mechanical index (MI) perfusion imaging uses microbubble oscillation at low acoustic powers to minimize destruction.
- Real-time imaging requires understanding how acoustic power affects microbubble signal and integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if optimal acoustic power for real-time perfusion imaging varies with microbubble shell characteristics.
- To determine the relationship between microbubble shell elasticity, acoustic power, signal intensity, and microbubble destruction.
Main Methods:
- Studied three microbubble agents with differing shell elastic properties.
- Characterized microbubbles by measuring bulk modulus and acoustic lability via microscopic visualization.
- Evaluated ultrasound signal and microbubble destruction in vitro and in vivo (canine model) at various mechanical indexes.
Main Results:
- Microbubble shell elastic properties influenced the optimal acoustic power for maximal signal intensity.
- Acoustic power settings needed to balance signal maximization and microbubble destruction varied between agents.
- Both in vitro and in vivo studies confirmed the impact of shell characteristics on imaging parameters.
Conclusions:
- The optimal acoustic power for low MI perfusion imaging is dependent on the specific shell characteristics of the microbubble contrast agent.
- Tailoring acoustic power to microbubble properties is crucial for maximizing diagnostic ultrasound signal while preserving microbubble integrity.
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