Methods for encoded multi-pulse contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging

Abstract

Methods for contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging that implement coded multi-pulses in each of two or more different transmission events are described. Data acquired in response to the two different transmission events are decoded and combined. In some embodiments, the coded multi-pulses include two or more consecutive Hadamard encoded ultrasound pulses. In other embodiments, multiplane wave pulsescan be used. Such multiplane wave pulses can be coded using Hadamard encoding, as one example. In addition, the multiplane wave pulses can be further coded using amplitude modulation, pulse inversion, or pulse inversion amplitude modulation techniques.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 537,107, filed July 26, 2017, entitled "Methods for Encoded Multi-Pulse Contrast Ultrasound Imaging," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background technique [0003] The development of contrast-enhanced ultrasound ("CEUS") imaging holds great potential for many clinical applications, such as myocardial perfusion imaging and characterization of abdominal lesions. The contrast agents used in these imaging techniques are typically encapsulated microbubbles that serve to improve the contrast between blood and tissue. Typically, these microbubbles can provide strong non-linear echoes at low mechanical index ("MI"), while the tissue signal is mostly linear at low MI. [0004] To better detect nonlinear microbubble echoes, several sequences are widely used to suppress linear tissue signals, including pulse inversi...

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However, as reported by several groups, even at low MI, tissues show significant nonlinear responses that cannot be ignored

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