PE-CMOS based C-scan ultrasound for foreign object detection in soft tissue

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering
• Nondestructive Testing

Background:

• Accurate detection of foreign objects in soft tissue is crucial for medical diagnosis and treatment.
• Conventional imaging modalities like B-scan ultrasound and radiography have limitations in terms of image quality and radiation exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel C-scan ultrasound prototype for foreign object detection.
• To compare the performance of the C-scan prototype against established imaging techniques.

Main Methods:

• A C-scan ultrasound prototype utilizing a PE-CMOS sensor array was developed.
• Images of foreign objects (bamboo, plastics, glass, aluminum alloys) in porcine tissue were acquired using C-scan ultrasound, B-scan ultrasound, film radiography, and computed radiography.
• Image quality was quantitatively assessed using contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR).

Main Results:

• The C-scan prototype demonstrated superior CNR values for 4 out of 7 tested objects compared to other modalities.
• C-scan ultrasound provided enhanced soft tissue detail, minimizing speckle artifacts common in B-scan ultrasound.
• The C-scan prototype offered similar orientation to radiographs but without ionizing radiation.

Conclusions:

• The developed C-scan ultrasound prototype shows significant potential for improved foreign object detection in soft tissues.
• This technology offers a promising alternative to conventional methods, providing high-quality imaging without radiation risks.