SURF imaging: in vivo demonstration of an ultrasound contrast agent detection technique

IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control. 2008 May;55(5):1112-21. doi: 10.1109/TUFFC.2008.763.

Abstract

A dual-band method for ultrasound contrast agent detection is demonstrated in vivo in an animal experiment using pigs. The method is named Second -order UltRasound Field Imaging, abbreviated SURF Imaging. It relies on simultaneously transmitting two ultrasound pulses with a large separation in frequency. Here, a low-frequency pulse of 0.9 MHz is combined with a high-frequency pulse of 7.5 MHz. The low-frequency pulse is used to manipulate the properties of the contrast agent, and the high frequency pulse is used for high-resolution contrast detection and imaging. An annular array capable of transmitting the low- and high-frequency pulses simultaneously was constructed and fitted to a mechanically scanned probe used in a GE Vingmed System 5 ultrasound scanner. The scanner was modified and adapted for the dual-band transmit technique. In-house software was written for post-processing of recorded IQ-data. Contrast-processed B-mode images of pig kidneys after bolus injections of 1 mL of Sonovuer are presented. The images display contrast detection with contrast-to-tissue ratios ranging from 15-40 dB. The results demonstrate the potential of SURF Imaging as an ultrasound contrast detection technique for clinically high ultrasound frequencies. This may allow ultrasound contrast imaging to be available for a wide range of applications.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Animals
  • Contrast Media
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Kidney / diagnostic imaging*
  • Phospholipids*
  • Sulfur Hexafluoride*
  • Swine
  • Ultrasonography / methods*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Phospholipids
  • contrast agent BR1
  • Sulfur Hexafluoride