Phase-aberration correction with a 3-D ultrasound scanner: feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Ultrasound Technology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Phase aberration correction is crucial for improving ultrasound image quality.
• Two-dimensional (2-D) arrays and 3-D ultrasound offer potential advantages for adaptive imaging due to higher spatial sampling.
• Tissue-induced beamforming errors degrade image quality, necessitating adaptive imaging techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of adaptive imaging with real-time, 3-D ultrasound arrays.
• To assess the performance of phase-aberration correction in transcranial ultrasound applications.
• To quantify improvements in image quality metrics using 3-D adaptive imaging.

Main Methods:

• Utilized real-time, 3-D ultrasound scanner with 2-D arrays.
• Employed phase-aberration correction algorithms, specifically the multilag, least-squares, cross-correlation method.
• Tested with physical aberrators (human temporal bone casting, electronic aberrator) and tissue phantoms.

Main Results:

• 3-D adaptive imaging significantly increased anechoic cyst identification, image brightness, and contrast-to-speckle ratio (CSR).
• Demonstrated improved visualization of blood flow using 3-D color Doppler.
• Observed a 13% CSR increase (1.01 to 1.14) and an increase in detectable cysts (4.3 to 7.7) with a skull casting.

Conclusions:

• Real-time 3-D adaptive imaging is feasible and effective for improving ultrasound image quality.
• Phase-aberration correction enhances diagnostic capabilities, including cyst detection and flow imaging.
• The study highlights the potential of 3-D adaptive ultrasound for transcranial imaging and other applications.