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Multifocus Thermal Strain Imaging Using a Curved Linear Array Transducer for Identification of Lipids in Deep Tissue
Waqas B Khalid1, Xucai Chen2, Kang Kim3
1Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
|May 1, 2021
Summary
Thermal strain imaging (TSI) was enhanced using multifocus beamforming for deeper organ imaging. This ultrasound technique successfully visualized lipid-rich tissues and inclusions with high contrast.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Ultrasound
- Acoustic Thermometry
Background:
- Thermal strain imaging (TSI) is an ultrasound technique for diseases marked by lipid accumulation.
- Current TSI methods face limitations in imaging depth and heating area for effective tissue analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement TSI using a single curved linear array transducer for deeper organ imaging.
- To enhance TSI performance through an innovative multifocus beamforming approach for broader tissue heating.
Main Methods:
- Application of a multifocus beamforming technique with a commercial curved linear array transducer.
- Simulation and experimental measurement of acoustic pressure fields.
- Testing TSI on a gelatin block with embedded rubber and fat tissue inclusions.
Main Results:
- Achieved a large heating area: 32-96 mm axially and -7 to +7 mm laterally.
- Validated simulated pressure fields with hydrophone measurements.
- Demonstrated high-contrast identification of inclusions using safe acoustic power.
Conclusions:
- Successfully implemented enhanced TSI for deeper imaging applications.
- Multifocus beamforming significantly improves TSI's heating area and performance.
- TSI shows potential for non-invasively characterizing lipid-rich tissues and inclusions.
