Method and device for monitoring and evaluating ultrasonic ablation

Abstract

The invention provides an ultrasonic ablation monitoring and evaluating method and device, and the method comprises the steps: transmitting excitation ultrasonic waves which can be converted into acoustic radiation force for triggering the motion displacement of a focal region tissue to the focal region tissue before and after the ultrasonic ablation; before and after ultrasonic ablation, detecting ultrasonic waves are emitted to the focal region tissue in the motion displacement state, and first scattering sound waves and second scattering sound waves formed by the detecting ultrasonic waves are received before and after ultrasonic ablation; generating first image data according to the detection ultrasonic waves and the first scattered sound waves, and generating second image data according to the detection ultrasonic waves and the second scattered sound waves; and generating an ablation condition image of the focal region tissue according to the change difference between the first image data and the second image data. According to the method, the elasticity of the deep tissue can be monitored by adopting ARFI imaging, so that the ablation condition of the HIFU treatment deep tissue can be monitored and evaluated by adopting ARFI imaging, and the accuracy of HIFU treatment can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical technology, and more specifically, to a monitoring and evaluation method and apparatus for ultrasound ablation. Background Technology

[0002] High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy can induce irreversible coagulative necrosis of target tissue (e.g., tumor lesions) to achieve the therapeutic goal of ablation. During HIFU treatment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound imaging (e.g., B-mode ultrasound or acoustic radiation force pulse (ARFI) imaging) can be used to visualize the ablation process (e.g., whether the target tissue has been ablated and the area of ​​ablation), thereby enabling monitoring and evaluation of the HIFU ablation process and improving the precision of HIFU treatment.

[0003] Among existing technologies, ultrasound imaging has advantages over magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in terms of lower cost, higher temporal resolution, and lower compatibility requirements. Ultrasound imaging offers significant advantages in monitoring and evaluating the ablation process of HIFU treatment. Specifically, ARFI imaging involves the ultrasound probe of an ARFI imaging device emitting detection ultrasound waves towards the target tissue. The acoustic radiation force of these waves induces movement and displacement in the target tissue. The ultrasound probe then receives the returned scattered sound waves. By analyzing both the emitted and returned scattered sound waves, the movement and displacement of the target tissue can be obtained, allowing for monitoring of the tissue's elasticity and ultimately visualization of the HIFU ablation process.

[0004] However, ARFI imaging can only monitor the elasticity of superficial tissues, not deep tissues. Therefore, ARFI imaging can only visualize the ablation of superficial tissues treated with HIFU, but not the ablation of deep tissues treated with HIFU. This makes it impossible to use ARFI imaging to monitor and evaluate the ablation of deep tissues treated with HIFU, resulting in low accuracy of HIFU treatment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and proposes a monitoring and evaluation method and device for ultrasound ablation, which can use ARFI imaging to monitor the elasticity of deep tissues, thereby enabling ARFI imaging to monitor and evaluate the ablation of deep tissues in HIFU treatment, and thus improving the accuracy of HIFU treatment.

[0006] To achieve the objectives of this invention, a monitoring and evaluation method for ultrasonic ablation is provided, comprising:

[0007] Before and after ultrasonic ablation, excitation ultrasound waves are emitted into the focal tissue, and the excitation ultrasound waves can be converted into acoustic radiation forces that induce the movement and displacement of the focal tissue.

[0008] Before and after the ultrasonic ablation, detection ultrasonic waves are emitted to the focal tissue in a state of motion displacement. Before the ultrasonic ablation, a first scattered sound wave formed by the detection ultrasonic waves is received, and after the ultrasonic ablation, a second scattered sound wave formed by the detection ultrasonic waves is received.

[0009] First image data is generated based on the detection ultrasonic wave and the first scattered sound wave, and second image data is generated based on the detection ultrasonic wave and the second scattered sound wave;

[0010] An ablation image of the focal region tissue is generated based on the differences in changes between the first image data and the second image data.

[0011] Optionally, the step of emitting detection ultrasound waves to the focal zone tissue in a state of motion displacement before and after the ultrasound ablation specifically includes:

[0012] Before and after the ultrasonic ablation, detection ultrasonic waves are emitted into the focal zone tissue that is in a state of motion displacement during a preset time period from the time the excitation ultrasonic wave stops emitting until the shear wave begins to propagate.

[0013] Optionally, the preset time period includes 100 microseconds to 1 millisecond after the excitation ultrasonic wave stops emitting.

[0014] Optionally, generating the ablation status image of the focal area tissue based on the difference between the first image data and the second image data specifically includes:

[0015] A difference operation is performed on the first image data and the second image data, and an ablation image of the focal region tissue is generated based on the result of the difference operation.

[0016] Optionally, the beamwidth of the detection ultrasound is 15mm-25mm.

[0017] Optionally, the frequency of the excitation ultrasound is lower than the frequency of the ablation ultrasound used in the ultrasonic ablation.

[0018] Optionally, the excitation ultrasound is generated by a high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer.

[0019] The present invention also provides a monitoring and evaluation device for ultrasonic ablation, for implementing the monitoring and evaluation method for ultrasonic ablation as provided by the present invention. The monitoring and evaluation device includes a first ultrasonic component, a second ultrasonic component, and a signal processing component. The first ultrasonic component is capable of emitting the excitation ultrasonic wave, and the second ultrasonic component is capable of emitting the detection ultrasonic wave and receiving the scattered sound wave formed by the detection ultrasonic wave.

[0020] The signal processing component is connected to the first ultrasound component and the second ultrasound component respectively, and is used to control the first ultrasound component to emit ablation ultrasound or the excitation ultrasound according to the signal, and to control the second ultrasound component to emit the detection ultrasound according to the signal, and to receive the scattered sound wave formed by the detection ultrasound, and to generate first image data according to the detection ultrasound and the first scattered sound wave, generate second image data according to the detection ultrasound and the second scattered sound wave, and generate an image of the ablation status of the focal area tissue according to the difference between the first image data and the second image data.

[0021] Optionally, the first ultrasound component includes a high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer capable of generating the ablation ultrasound and the excitation ultrasound.

[0022] Optionally, the first ultrasound component includes a high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer capable of generating the ablation ultrasound and the excitation ultrasound, and the second ultrasound component includes an ultrasound probe capable of emitting the detection ultrasound and receiving the scattered sound waves formed by the detection ultrasound, wherein the high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer is coaxially arranged with the ultrasound probe.

[0023] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] The monitoring and evaluation method for ultrasonic ablation provided by this invention involves emitting excitation ultrasound waves into the focal zone tissue before and after ultrasonic ablation. These excitation ultrasound waves are converted into acoustic radiation forces that induce movement and displacement of the focal zone tissue. For deep tissues, this acoustic radiation force can induce movement and displacement of the deep focal zone tissue. Detection ultrasound waves are emitted into the focal zone tissue in a state of movement and displacement before and after ultrasonic ablation. Before ultrasonic ablation, a first scattered acoustic wave formed by the detection ultrasound wave is received; after ultrasonic ablation, a second scattered acoustic wave formed by the detection ultrasound wave is received. First image data can be generated based on the detection ultrasound wave and the first scattered acoustic wave, and second image data can be generated based on the detection ultrasound wave and the second scattered acoustic wave. For ARFI imaging, since the deep focal zone tissue is induced to move by the acoustic radiation force both before and after ultrasonic ablation, this method is particularly useful. Since the ultrasound waves are emitted into the deep focal zone tissue during motion displacement, and the detection ultrasound waves are all emitted into the deep focal zone tissue during motion displacement, when the elasticity of the deep focal zone tissue changes before and after ultrasound ablation, the received first and second scattered sound waves can have differences corresponding to the elasticity changes of the deep focal zone tissue. Therefore, ARFI imaging can be used to monitor the elasticity of the deep tissue. By generating an image of the ablation status of the focal zone tissue based on the difference between the first and second image data, ARFI imaging can visualize the ablation status of deep tissue treated with HIFU. Subsequently, the ablation status can be monitored and evaluated based on the visualized ablation status image. In other words, ARFI imaging can be used to monitor and evaluate the ablation status of deep tissue treated with HIFU, thereby improving the accuracy of HIFU treatment.

[0025] The ultrasound ablation monitoring and evaluation device provided by this invention comprises a first ultrasound component capable of emitting excitation ultrasound waves, a second ultrasound component capable of emitting detection ultrasound waves and receiving scattered sound waves formed by the detection ultrasound waves, and a signal processing component connected to both the first and second ultrasound components. The signal processing component controls the first ultrasound component to emit ablation ultrasound waves or excitation ultrasound waves according to the signals, and controls the second ultrasound component to emit detection ultrasound waves according to the signals, receiving scattered sound waves formed by the detection ultrasound waves. It generates first image data based on the detection ultrasound waves and the first scattered sound waves, generates second image data based on the detection ultrasound waves and the second scattered sound waves, and generates an image of the ablation status of the focal tissue based on the difference between the first and second image data. This allows for the monitoring of the elasticity of deep tissues using ARFI imaging, and thus enables the monitoring and evaluation of the ablation status of deep tissues during HIFU treatment using ARFI imaging, thereby improving the accuracy of HIFU treatment. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1A flowchart of the monitoring and evaluation method for ultrasonic ablation provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the monitoring and evaluation device for ultrasonic ablation provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a timing diagram for conducting experiments on the monitoring and evaluation method and apparatus for ultrasonic ablation provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 The figure shows the experimental results of the monitoring and evaluation method and device for ultrasonic ablation provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 1-First ultrasonic component; 11-High-intensity focused ultrasound transducer; 12-Excitation ultrasound wave;

[0032] 13-Ablation ultrasound; 2-Second ultrasound component; 21-Ultrasound probe; 3-Signal processing component;

[0033] 4 - Ultrasound probe; 5 - Focal point of tissue. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this invention, the reasons why ARFI (Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse) imaging cannot monitor the elasticity of deep tissues and cannot visualize the ablation process of HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) treatment in deep tissues are first explained. The inventors of this invention discovered that the acoustic radiation force converted from the detection ultrasound waves generated by the imaging transducer of the ultrasound probe in the ARFI imaging device is relatively small. It can only induce movement and displacement in superficial tissues, but cannot induce movement and displacement in deep tissues. This results in no change in the scattered sound waves formed by the detection ultrasound waves received by the ultrasound probe of the ARFI imaging device when the elasticity of deep tissues changes, thus causing ARFI imaging to be unable to monitor the elasticity of deep tissues.

[0035] During HIFU treatment of target tissues, the target tissues are heated, causing changes in their mechanical properties (hardness, elasticity, etc.) and acoustic properties (sound velocity, attenuation, etc.). For example, protein denaturation and dehydration of the target tissues increase their hardness and alter their elastic modulus. For HIFU treatment of deep tissues, the scattered sound waves received by the ultrasound probe of the ARFI imaging device do not change significantly when the elasticity of the deep tissue changes. This prevents ARFI imaging from visualizing the ablation process in deep tissues treated with HIFU, thus hindering the monitoring and evaluation of the ablation process and resulting in lower precision in HIFU treatment.

[0036] The monitoring and evaluation method and apparatus for ultrasonic ablation provided by the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a monitoring and evaluation method for ultrasonic ablation, comprising:

[0038] S1, before and after ultrasonic ablation, excitation ultrasound 12 is emitted to the focal tissue, and the excitation ultrasound 12 can be converted into acoustic radiation force that induces the movement and displacement of the focal tissue.

[0039] S2, before and after ultrasonic ablation, respectively, emit detection ultrasound waves to the focal zone tissue in a state of motion displacement, and before ultrasonic ablation, receive the first scattered sound wave formed by the detection ultrasound waves, and after ultrasonic ablation, receive the second scattered sound wave formed by the detection ultrasound waves.

[0040] S3, generate first image data based on the detected ultrasonic wave and the first scattered sound wave, and generate second image data based on the detected ultrasonic wave and the second scattered sound wave;

[0041] S4, generate an image of the ablation status of the focal area tissue based on the difference in changes between the first image data and the second image data.

[0042] The monitoring and evaluation method for ultrasonic ablation provided by this invention involves emitting excitation ultrasound waves 12 into the focal zone tissue before and after ultrasonic ablation. These excitation ultrasound waves 12 can be converted into acoustic radiation forces that induce movement and displacement of the focal zone tissue. For deep tissues, the deep focal zone tissues can be induced to move and displace by these acoustic radiation forces. Detection ultrasound waves are emitted into the focal zone tissue in a state of movement and displacement before and after ultrasonic ablation. Before ultrasonic ablation, a first scattered acoustic wave formed by the detection ultrasound waves is received; after ultrasonic ablation, a second scattered acoustic wave formed by the detection ultrasound waves is received. First image data can be generated based on the detection ultrasound waves and the first scattered acoustic wave, and second image data can be generated based on the detection ultrasound waves and the second scattered acoustic wave. For ARFI imaging, since the deep focal zone tissues are both... The ultrasound waves are emitted into the deep focal tissue, which is in a state of motion displacement due to the force of acoustic radiation. Therefore, when the elasticity of the deep focal tissue changes before and after ultrasound ablation, the received first and second scattered sound waves can have differences corresponding to the elasticity changes of the deep focal tissue. This allows ARFI imaging to monitor the elasticity of the deep tissue. By generating an image of the ablation status of the focal tissue based on the difference between the first and second image data, ARFI imaging can visualize the ablation status of deep tissue in HIFU treatment. Subsequently, the ablation status can be monitored and evaluated based on the visualized ablation image. In other words, ARFI imaging can be used to monitor and evaluate the ablation status of deep tissue in HIFU treatment, thereby improving the accuracy of HIFU treatment.

[0043] Taking HIFU treatment of deep tissue as an example, specifically, before ablation of the deep focal zone tissue by HIFU treatment, excitation ultrasound waves 12 can be emitted into the deep focal zone tissue. The acoustic radiation force converted by the excitation ultrasound waves 12 induces movement and displacement of the deep focal zone tissue. While the deep focal zone tissue is in a state of movement and displacement, detection ultrasound waves are emitted into the deep focal zone tissue, and the first scattered sound wave formed by the detection ultrasound waves is received. First image data is generated based on the detection ultrasound waves and the first scattered sound wave. Then, HIFU treatment can be performed on the deep focal zone tissue. After ablation of the deep focal zone tissue by HIFU treatment, excitation ultrasound waves 12 can be emitted into the deep focal zone tissue again. The acoustic radiation force of the excitation ultrasound waves 12 induces movement and displacement of the deep focal zone tissue again. While the deep focal zone tissue is in a state of movement and displacement, detection ultrasound waves are emitted into the deep focal zone tissue, and the second scattered sound wave formed by the detection ultrasound waves is received. Second image data is generated based on the detection ultrasound waves and the second scattered sound wave.

[0044] Subsequently, an ablation image of the deep focal zone tissue can be generated based on the differences in the first and second image data. Since the elasticity of the deep focal zone tissue changes before and after HIFU treatment, the first and second scattered sound waves generated by the detection ultrasound before and after HIFU treatment will have corresponding differences in change. Therefore, the difference in the first and second image data can characterize the change in the elasticity of the deep focal zone tissue before and after HIFU treatment. Thus, the ablation status of the deep tissue in HIFU treatment can be monitored and evaluated based on the ablation image of the deep focal zone tissue generated from the differences in the first and second image data. For example, by observing the differences between the first and second image data representing the ablation status, it is possible to assess whether the target tissue has been ablated by HIFU treatment. Furthermore, by analyzing the coverage area of ​​the differences between the first and second image data representing the ablation status, it is possible to assess the area of ​​the target tissue ablated by HIFU treatment. In practical applications, the HIFU treatment device can be adjusted based on the assessment results to ensure accurate ablation of the target tissue and the desired ablation area, thereby improving the precision of HIFU treatment. Moreover, because ARFI imaging has high contrast resolution, the boundary between ablated and unablated tissue can be clearly displayed based on the coverage area of ​​the differences between the first and second image data representing the ablation status.

[0045] In practical applications, the ultrasound ablation monitoring and evaluation method provided in this embodiment of the invention compares the first image data and the second image data. The comparison result is the difference in data changes between the first image data and the second image data. Based on the comparison result, the accuracy of HIFU treatment can be evaluated (including whether the target tissue was accurately ablated and whether the preset area of ​​the target tissue was accurately ablated), thereby allowing for adjustments to the HIFU treatment device. However, the comparison result cannot be used to evaluate the cause, lesion status, treatment effect, etc.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, in practical applications, the excitation ultrasound 12 and the detection ultrasound can be emitted toward the focal point 5 of the focal tissue.

[0047] Optionally, the parameters of the excitation ultrasound waves 12 emitted before and after ultrasonic ablation can be the same.

[0048] Optionally, the parameters of the detection ultrasound waves emitted before and after ultrasonic ablation can be the same.

[0049] like Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, emitting detection ultrasound waves to the focal zone tissue in a state of motion displacement before and after ultrasonic ablation may specifically include:

[0050] Before and after ultrasonic ablation, detection ultrasound waves are emitted into the focal zone tissue in motion displacement during a preset time period from when the excitation ultrasound 12 stops emitting until the shear wave begins to propagate.

[0051] In other words, after the excitation ultrasound 12 stops, a certain period of time can be waited, and before the shear wave begins to propagate, a detection ultrasound can be emitted to the focal zone tissue in a state of motion displacement. This design can avoid interference from the high energy of the excitation ultrasound 12 and the artifacts generated by the propagation of the shear wave on the detection ultrasound and the scattered sound wave. This can improve the accuracy of monitoring the elasticity of deep tissues using ARFI imaging, thereby improving the accuracy of monitoring and evaluating the ablation of deep tissues in HIFU treatment using ARFI imaging, and further improving the accuracy of HIFU treatment.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, the preset time period may include 100 microseconds to 1 millisecond after the excitation ultrasonic wave 12 stops emitting.

[0053] In other words, after the excitation ultrasound 12 stops, wait for more than or equal to 100 microseconds and less than or equal to 1 millisecond before transmitting detection ultrasound to the focal zone tissue in a state of motion displacement.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, generating an image of the ablation status of focal tissue based on the difference between the first image data and the second image data may specifically include:

[0055] A differential operation is performed on the first image data and the second image data, and an image of the ablation status of the focal area tissue is generated based on the result of the differential operation.

[0056] In practical applications, the difference calculation results of the first image data and the second image data can be used to characterize the changes in elasticity of deep focal tissues before and after HIFU treatment. Therefore, the ablation status image of the focal tissue generated based on the difference calculation results of the first image data and the second image data can be used to monitor and evaluate the ablation status of deep tissues treated with HIFU.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the beamwidth of the detected ultrasonic wave can be 15mm-25mm.

[0058] Using ultrasound with a beamwidth of 15mm-25mm, wide-beam imaging of ARFI (Area-of-Focus Imaging) can be achieved. Wide-beam imaging has the advantages of a wider beam, stronger beam energy, and higher signal-to-noise ratio. It can completely cover the focal area tissue and obtain ARFI images with shorter delay and lower power. This can improve the accuracy of monitoring the elasticity of deep tissues using ARFI imaging, thereby improving the accuracy of monitoring and evaluating the ablation of deep tissues in HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) treatment, and further improving the accuracy of HIFU treatment.

[0059] Optionally, the beamwidth of the ultrasonic wave can be 20 mm.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, the frequency of the excitation ultrasound 12 is less than the frequency of the ablation ultrasound 13 of the ultrasound ablation.

[0061] This design not only induces movement and displacement of the focal tissue but also avoids damage to the focal tissue caused by ultrasound ablation. This improves the accuracy of monitoring the elasticity of deep tissues using ARFI imaging, thereby improving the accuracy of monitoring and evaluating the ablation of deep tissues in HIFU treatment using ARFI imaging, and further improving the accuracy of HIFU treatment.

[0062] Optionally, the frequency of the excitation ultrasound 12 can be 3MHz.

[0063] Optionally, the acoustic radiation force of the excitation ultrasonic wave 12 can be an acoustic radiation force pulse, and the pulse length of the acoustic radiation force pulse can be 0.1s-0.2s.

[0064] Optionally, during ARFI imaging, the imaging frame rate can be greater than or equal to 4000Hz.

[0065] This design can improve the accuracy of monitoring the elasticity of deep tissues using ARFI imaging through high frame rate, thereby improving the accuracy of monitoring and evaluating the ablation of deep tissues using ARFI imaging, and further improving the accuracy of HIFU treatment.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, the excitation ultrasonic wave 12 can be generated by a high-intensity focused ultrasonic transducer 11.

[0067] The high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer 11, also known as the HIFU transducer, can generate not only excitation ultrasound 12 but also ablation ultrasound 13 for HIFU treatment in practical applications. Thus, a single HIFU transducer can generate both excitation ultrasound 12 and ablation ultrasound 13. The excitation ultrasound 12 can be generated using the HIFU transducer used for HIFU treatment, which facilitates the use of ultrasound ablation monitoring and evaluation methods and reduces the cost of ultrasound ablation monitoring and evaluation methods.

[0068] Optionally, the detection ultrasound can be emitted by the ultrasound probe 21 of the ARFI imaging device, and the scattered sound waves can be received by the ultrasound probe 21 of the ARFI imaging device.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment of the invention also provides a monitoring and evaluation device for ultrasonic ablation, used to implement the monitoring and evaluation method for ultrasonic ablation as provided in this embodiment of the invention. The monitoring and evaluation device may include a first ultrasonic component 1, a second ultrasonic component 2, and a signal processing component 3. The first ultrasonic component 1 is capable of emitting excitation ultrasonic waves 12, and the second ultrasonic component 2 is capable of emitting detection ultrasonic waves and receiving scattered sound waves formed by the detection ultrasonic waves. The signal processing component 3 is signal-connected to the first ultrasonic component 1 and the second ultrasonic component 2 respectively, and is used to control the first ultrasonic component 1 to emit ablation ultrasonic waves 13 or excitation ultrasonic waves 12 according to the signal, and to control the second ultrasonic component 2 to emit detection ultrasonic waves according to the signal, and to receive scattered sound waves formed by the detection ultrasonic waves. It also generates first image data based on the detection ultrasonic waves and the first scattered sound waves, generates second image data based on the detection ultrasonic waves and the second scattered sound waves, and generates an image of the ablation status of the focal area tissue based on the difference between the first image data and the second image data.

[0070] The ultrasound ablation monitoring and evaluation device provided in this embodiment of the invention is configured with a first ultrasound component 1 capable of emitting excitation ultrasound waves 12, a second ultrasound component 2 capable of emitting detection ultrasound waves and receiving scattered sound waves formed by the detection ultrasound waves, and a signal processing component 3 connected to the first ultrasound component 1 and the second ultrasound component 2 respectively. The signal processing component 3 controls the first ultrasound component 1 to emit ablation ultrasound waves 13 or excitation ultrasound waves 12 according to the signal, and controls the second ultrasound component 2 to emit detection ultrasound waves according to the signal, and receives scattered sound waves formed by the detection ultrasound waves. It generates first image data based on the detection ultrasound waves and the first scattered sound waves, generates second image data based on the detection ultrasound waves and the second scattered sound waves, and generates an image of the ablation status of the focal zone tissue based on the difference between the first image data and the second image data. This allows ARFI imaging to monitor the elasticity of deep tissues, thereby enabling ARFI imaging to monitor and evaluate the ablation status of deep tissues in HIFU treatment, and thus improving the accuracy of HIFU treatment.

[0071] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first ultrasonic component 1 may include a high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer 11, which is capable of generating ablation ultrasound 13 and excitation ultrasound 12.

[0072] The high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer 11, also known as the HIFU transducer, can generate not only excitation ultrasound 12 but also ablation ultrasound 13 for HIFU treatment in practical applications. Thus, a single HIFU transducer can generate both excitation ultrasound 12 and ablation ultrasound 13. The excitation ultrasound 12 can be generated using the HIFU transducer used for HIFU treatment, which facilitates the use of ultrasound ablation monitoring and evaluation methods and reduces the cost of ultrasound ablation monitoring and evaluation methods.

[0073] Optionally, the first ultrasound component 1 may also include a power amplification component and an impedance matching component.

[0074] In practical applications, the signal processing component 3 can control the power amplification component and the impedance matching component to enable the first ultrasonic component 1 to emit pulsed ultrasonic waves of different powers.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first ultrasonic component 1 may include a high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer 11, which is capable of generating ablation ultrasound 13 and excitation ultrasound 12. The second ultrasonic component 2 may include an ultrasonic probe 21, which is capable of emitting detection ultrasound and receiving scattered sound waves formed by the detection ultrasound. The high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer 11 and the ultrasonic probe 21 may be coaxially arranged.

[0076] In practical applications, by setting the high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer 11 and the ultrasound probe 21 coaxially, the focal point of the emitted excitation ultrasound wave 12 can intersect with the plane of ARFI imaging, thereby improving the accuracy of ARFI imaging.

[0077] Optionally, the ultrasonic probe 21 may include multiple transmitting units, which may be arranged in an array.

[0078] In practical applications, the emission focus of the detection ultrasound can be set at the center of an array of multiple emission units, extending along the depth direction to a point outside the imaging area.

[0079] Optionally, the number of transmitting units can be up to 80. This allows for the transmission of detection ultrasound with a beamwidth of 15mm-25mm, thereby improving the accuracy of monitoring the elasticity of deep tissues using ARFI imaging, which in turn improves the accuracy of monitoring and evaluating the ablation of deep tissues during HIFU treatment using ARFI imaging, and further enhances the accuracy of HIFU treatment.

[0080] Optionally, the ultrasound probe 21 can be the ultrasound probe 21 of an ARFI imaging device.

[0081] The inventors of this invention conducted experiments on the monitoring and evaluation method and device for ultrasound ablation provided in the embodiments of this invention. These experiments compared images of HIFU treatment of deep tissues obtained using ARFI imaging with images of HIFU treatment of deep tissues obtained using B-mode ultrasound imaging. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this comparison, before HIFU treatment of deep focal tissue, ultrasound imaging (using ultrasound probe 4) can be performed on the deep focal tissue, and excitation ultrasound waves 12 can be emitted towards the focal point 5 of the deep focal tissue. ARFI imaging of the deep focal tissue can be performed within a preset time period from the cessation of excitation ultrasound wave 12 emission to the start of shear wave propagation. Afterwards, HIFU treatment can be performed on the deep focal tissue. After HIFU ablation of the deep focal tissue, excitation ultrasound waves 12 can be emitted towards the focal point 5 of the deep focal tissue, and ARFI imaging of the deep focal tissue can be performed within a preset time period from the cessation of excitation ultrasound wave 12 emission to the start of shear wave propagation, along with ultrasound imaging of the deep focal tissue. Subsequently, ultrasound images of the ablation status of the deep focal tissue can be generated based on the ultrasound imaging data before and after HIFU treatment, combined with ultrasound imaging algorithms (e.g., [image of ablation status]). Figure 4 The top left and bottom left images are shown in the image. Figure 4The top left image shows an isolated bovine liver, and the bottom left image shows an isolated porcine tenderloin. It can perform differential calculations on ARFI imaging data before and after HIFU treatment of deep focal tissues, and generate ARFI images of the ablation status of deep focal tissues based on the results of the differential calculations (e.g.,...). Figure 4 As shown in the upper right and lower right images, Figure 4 The top right image shows extracted beef liver, and the bottom right image shows extracted pork tenderloin.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, ARFI images are clearer than B-mode ultrasound images, in cases such as Figure 4 In the ARFI images shown, the longitudinal legends on the right side of the upper right image and the right side of the lower right image represent the difference calculation results of ARFI imaging data before and after HIFU treatment. These values ​​indicate the differences in ARFI imaging data before and after HIFU treatment. In ARFI images, larger values ​​indicate greater differences in ARFI imaging data before and after HIFU treatment, greater changes in elasticity at that location, and a greater degree of ablation at that location. Conversely, non-zero values ​​indicate differences in ARFI imaging data before and after HIFU treatment, changes in elasticity at that location, and that the location has received HIFU treatment. A value of 0 indicates no differences in ARFI imaging data before and after HIFU treatment, no changes in elasticity at that location, and that the location has not received HIFU treatment. Thus, by observing ARFI images, the ablation area of ​​HIFU treatment can be evaluated.

[0083] In summary, the ultrasound ablation monitoring and evaluation method and device provided in this embodiment of the invention can use ARFI imaging to monitor the elasticity of deep tissues, thereby enabling ARFI imaging to monitor and evaluate the ablation of deep tissues treated with HIFU, and thus improving the accuracy of HIFU treatment.

[0084] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A monitoring and evaluation method for ultrasonic ablation, characterized in that, include: Before and after ultrasonic ablation, excitation ultrasound waves are emitted into the focal tissue, and the excitation ultrasound waves can be converted into acoustic radiation forces that induce the movement and displacement of the focal tissue. Before and after the ultrasonic ablation, detection ultrasonic waves are emitted to the focal tissue in a state of motion displacement. Before the ultrasonic ablation, a first scattered sound wave formed by the detection ultrasonic waves is received, and after the ultrasonic ablation, a second scattered sound wave formed by the detection ultrasonic waves is received. First image data is generated based on the detection ultrasonic wave and the first scattered sound wave, and second image data is generated based on the detection ultrasonic wave and the second scattered sound wave; An ablation image of the focal region tissue is generated based on the differences in changes between the first image data and the second image data.

2. The monitoring and evaluation method for ultrasonic ablation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of emitting detection ultrasound waves to the focal zone tissue in a state of motion displacement before and after the ultrasound ablation specifically includes: Before and after the ultrasonic ablation, detection ultrasonic waves are emitted into the focal zone tissue that is in a state of motion displacement during a preset time period from the time the excitation ultrasonic wave stops emitting until the shear wave begins to propagate.

3. The monitoring and evaluation method for ultrasonic ablation according to claim 2, characterized in that, The preset time period includes 100 microseconds to 1 millisecond after the excitation ultrasonic wave stops emitting.

4. The monitoring and evaluation method for ultrasonic ablation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of generating the ablation status image of the focal area tissue based on the difference between the first image data and the second image data specifically includes: A difference operation is performed on the first image data and the second image data, and an ablation image of the focal region tissue is generated based on the result of the difference operation.

5. The monitoring and evaluation method for ultrasonic ablation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The beamwidth of the ultrasonic wave used for detection is 15mm-25mm.

6. The monitoring and evaluation method for ultrasonic ablation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frequency of the excitation ultrasound is lower than the frequency of the ablation ultrasound used in ultrasonic ablation.

7. The monitoring and evaluation method for ultrasonic ablation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The excitation ultrasound is generated by a high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer.

8. A monitoring and evaluation device for ultrasonic ablation, characterized in that, For implementing the monitoring and evaluation method of ultrasonic ablation as described in any one of claims 1-7, the monitoring and evaluation device includes a first ultrasonic component, a second ultrasonic component, and a signal processing component. The first ultrasonic component is capable of emitting the excitation ultrasonic wave, and the second ultrasonic component is capable of emitting the detection ultrasonic wave and receiving the scattered sound wave formed by the detection ultrasonic wave. The signal processing component is connected to the first ultrasound component and the second ultrasound component respectively, and is used to control the first ultrasound component to emit ablation ultrasound or the excitation ultrasound according to the signal, and to control the second ultrasound component to emit the detection ultrasound according to the signal, and to receive the scattered sound wave formed by the detection ultrasound, and to generate first image data according to the detection ultrasound and the first scattered sound wave, generate second image data according to the detection ultrasound and the second scattered sound wave, and generate an image of the ablation status of the focal area tissue according to the difference between the first image data and the second image data.

9. The monitoring and evaluation device for ultrasonic ablation according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first ultrasound component includes a high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer, which is capable of generating the ablation ultrasound and the excitation ultrasound.

10. The monitoring and evaluation device for ultrasonic ablation according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first ultrasound component includes a high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer capable of generating the ablation ultrasound and the excitation ultrasound. The second ultrasound component includes an ultrasound probe capable of emitting the detection ultrasound and receiving the scattered sound waves formed by the detection ultrasound. The high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer is coaxially arranged with the ultrasound probe.

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