Optimizing In Vivo Data Acquisition for Robust Clinical Microvascular Imaging Using Ultrasound Localization...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering
• Ultrasound Technology

Background:

• Ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM) offers super-resolution microvascular imaging beyond the acoustic diffraction limit.
• Clinical ULM performance is challenged by microbubble (MB) signal sparsity, count, and SNR variations during bolus injections.
• Standardizing ULM requires optimizing MB dosage, acquisition timing, and imaging parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate temporal changes in MB signals during bolus injections in pigs and humans.
• To develop quantitative indices for evaluating MB signal quality and guiding acquisition timing.
• To optimize data acquisition for consistent and reproducible clinical ULM.

Main Methods:

• Temporal analysis of MB signals during bolus injections in pig and human models.
• Development of quantitative indices to assess MB signal quality and localization.
• Exploration of transmitted voltage and MB dosage effects on ULM performance.

Main Results:

• Identified a short (approx. 10 seconds) optimal acquisition window in pigs during rapid wash-out.
• Determined a flexible 1-2 minute imaging window in humans due to slower wash-out.
• Observed trade-offs between localization quality and MB density at different wash-out phases.

Conclusions:

• Robust ULM of kidneys achieved in both species with optimized, short acquisition periods.
• Real-time MB signal monitoring is crucial for optimizing data acquisition.
• Findings provide a foundation for standardizing ULM for broader clinical applications.