In-Vivo 3D Ultrafast Imaging Using a 3072-Elements Matrix Transducer
Student Contest:
Yes
Affiliation Type:
Academia
Keywords:
3D ultrafast imaging, Ultrasound Localization Microscopy, Blood Flow
Abstract:
3D ultrafast (UF) imaging has been used for various applications including volumetric blood flow imaging, mapping shear waves in the heart and 3D ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM). In this study we propose a 3072-element matrix approach designed for human applications. We implemented 3D UF imaging and applied it to the 3D Doppler blood flow imaging and ULM of entire organs in large animals. Experiments were performed on the kidney, the liver and the heart of a swine model. To reduce organ movements during acquisition, respiratory and ECG gating were used. Data were beamformed and 3D doppler velocity were estimated. 3D ULM was performed by injecting microbubbles. Motion correction using a 3D rigid registration was performed and the dynamic flow parameters were analysed. 3D UF imaging can provide microvascular flow information (velocities from 11.6 +/- 2.8 to 52.8 +/- 8.3 mm/s in small vessels) over large organs (9 × 9 × 9 cm3) and could offer a new diagnostic tool for microvascular dysfunction in humans.
