Attenuation estimations using envelope echo data: analysis and simulations

Previously we described a video signal analysis (VSA) method for measuring backscatter and attenuation from B-Mode image data. VSA computes depth-dependent ratios of the mean echo intensity from a sample to the mean echo intensity from a reference phantom imaged using identical scanner settings. The slope of a line-fit of this ratio (expressed in dB) versus depth is related to the attenuation of the sample. This paper investigates conditions for which the echo intensity ratio versus depth is independent of transducer pulsing characteristics and instrument settings, and depends only on the properties of the sample and the reference. A theoretical model is described for the echo signal power versus depth from a uniform medium containing scatterers. The model incorporates bandwidth, frequency and media attenuation. Results show that the sample-to-reference echo intensity ratio versus depth is a curve, the departure of which from a straight line is a function of the relative attenuation of the two media, the imaging system bandwidth and the initial frequency. The model also leads to a depth-dependent "effective frequency" determination in the VSA method. Model predictions are verified using RF signals computed by an acoustic pulse-echo simulation program.