University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a novel device and accompanying algorithm to enable accurate 3D ultrasound including a larger field of view and a higher frame rate than traditional approaches.
Description
Ultrasound (US) is a commonly used imaging technique given its affordability, non-invasive nature, and ability to produce real time results. Additionally, US devices are generally compact and can be used outside of the hospital setting, for example, in sports and pre-hospital care. However, current state-of-the-art US techniques only capture 2D images of 3D organs leading to incorrect diagnoses, misinterpretation of research data and inaccurate measurements. This novel device will allow for 3D US imaging improving accuracy, robustness, and a better understanding of dynamic organs like the heart or contracting muscles, expanding on the clinical and research applications of US.
Applications
• High frame rate ultrasound
• 3D volumetric ultrasound
• Artificial intelligence (AI) in medical diagnostics
Advantages
Current US techniques are only 2D slices of an organ which is naturally 3D. Some techniques have been developed to build these “2D slices” into a 3D image. However, when analysis is performed under 2D geometric assumptions it can lead to inaccurate measurements and incorrect data resulting in misdiagnosis. When studying dynamic functions, like a beating heart or contracting muscles, frame rates and scan time can limit the use of US to study these functions. 3D volumetric US imaging technology has the potential to overcome these inaccuracies leading to US being more robust and widely used.
Development of functional 3D volumetric US has been limited by efforts to balance the need for the many electrical channels required, impacting on cost and accessibility of probes and image quality losses when numbers of electric channels are reduced. This novel device will reduce the number of electrical channels while maintaining image quality allowing for the development of real-time, free-hand scanned, large field-of-view and high frame rate 3D volumetric imaging, using affordable and accessible electronics.
Invention Readiness
A probe has been developed capable of achieving front-end beamforming through the mechanical delay introduced by novel acoustic lenses and electrical delay circuits. This delay can be tailored to different imaging applications through adjusting the height of each element in the acoustic lens. Novel AI software has also been developed to facilitate beamforming following the drastic reduction in the number of receiving sensor elements to enhance images collected.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2024010755A1
