Method and system for ultrasound angiography

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a method and system for ultrasound angiography. The method comprises: determining a region of interest and an imaging section, performing ultrasound scanning, and synchronously generating a tissue grayscale image and an angiographic video; acquiring angiographic data in the angiographic video within a selected period and acquiring corresponding radio frequency data; acquiring a perfusion feature on the basis of the angiographic data; extracting a vascular blood flow parameter on the basis of the radio frequency data; and determining a comprehensive feature of the region of interest according to the perfusion feature and the vascular blood flow parameter. By combining perfusion features with vascular blood flow parameters, the present application can analyze the perfusion condition of vessels in a region of interest from a macroscopic perspective, and analyze the hemodynamic information in the vessels and the morphological information of the vessels in the region of interest from a microscopic perspective. Moreover, the synchronous acquisition of the perfusion features and the vascular blood flow parameters provides higher information synchronization and combinability for the perfusion feature and the vascular blood flow parameter, which is conducive to more accurate analysis and judgment in the region of interest and deeper interpretation of the region of interest by healthcare providers.

Description

Ultrasound Contrast Imaging Methods and Systems

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411406498.1, filed on October 10, 2024, entitled "Ultrasound Contrast Imaging Diagnostic Method and System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of ultrasound contrast imaging technology, and more particularly to an ultrasound contrast imaging method and system. Background Technology

[0003] In the field of modern medical imaging, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, as a radiation-free, real-time, and high-resolution technique, has become an important tool for assessing vascular distribution, blood perfusion, and tissue lesion characteristics, and is widely used in the diagnosis of diseases in various organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and thyroid. Specifically, contrast-enhanced ultrasound can provide intuitive information about vascular structure, blood flow velocity, and blood perfusion volume as intermediate information for diagnosis and treatment; it can also be used for clinical teaching by observing the perfusion characteristics of contrast agents injected intravenously into human models in lesion areas.

[0004] However, this method mainly relies on the macroscopic perfusion process and distribution of contrast agents, and is not capable of capturing the details of the specific movement trajectory, morphological changes and dynamic characteristics of individual contrast agent microbubbles in blood vessels or tissues. This may result in relatively rough diagnostic results and a lack of basis for in-depth analysis. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide an ultrasound contrast imaging method and system to solve the problem that existing contrast imaging techniques mainly rely on the macroscopic distribution of contrast agents and have insufficient ability to capture the detailed features of contrast agent microbubbles.

[0006] To achieve one of the above-mentioned objectives, one embodiment of this application provides an ultrasound contrast imaging method, the method comprising: determining the region of interest and imaging section of an object, performing ultrasound scanning on the region of interest and simultaneously generating a tissue grayscale image and a contrast imaging video;

[0007] Collect contrast data from the contrast video within a selected time period and obtain corresponding radio frequency data, wherein the radio frequency data and the contrast data correspond in the time dimension;

[0008] Based on the imaging data, the perfusion characteristics of the contrast agent in the region of interest are obtained;

[0009] Based on the radio frequency data analysis, the morphological and hemodynamic information of the vascular network in the region of interest is obtained, and the vascular blood flow parameters are extracted.

[0010] The comprehensive characteristics of the region of interest are determined based on the perfusion characteristics and vascular blood flow parameters.

[0011] As a further improvement to this application, the step of performing ultrasound scanning of the region of interest and simultaneously generating tissue grayscale images and contrast-enhanced videos includes:

[0012] Emitting ultrasonic signals;

[0013] The echo signal of ultrasound is received, and a tissue grayscale image and contrast video are generated based on the echo signal.

[0014] As a further improvement to this application, the specific steps of acquiring radio frequency data and correspondingly obtaining contrast data from the contrast video include:

[0015] During the ultrasound scan, a data acquisition command is detected and received, which is generated at least once based on the real-time status of the tissue grayscale image and the contrast video.

[0016] According to the data acquisition instructions, radio frequency data characterizing ultrasonic echoes are acquired and contrast data in the contrast video is extracted simultaneously.

[0017] As a further improvement to this application, the method further includes: detecting and receiving a data acquisition termination command during the ultrasonic scanning process.

[0018] During the ultrasonic scan, detect and receive at least one data acquisition command;

[0019] The acquisition is continuously collected based on the received data acquisition instruction and the radio frequency data and the contrast imaging data, and the acquisition ends when the acquisition ends upon receiving the acquisition end instruction. The acquisition end instruction is generated based on the real-time status of the tissue grayscale image and the contrast imaging video.

[0020] As a further improvement to this application, the method further includes: preset collection duration:

[0021] During the ultrasonic scan, detect and receive at least one data acquisition command;

[0022] According to the data acquisition instruction, the radio frequency data and the angiography data are acquired within the preset time period.

[0023] As a further improvement to this application, obtaining the perfusion characteristics of the contrast agent in the region of interest based on the contrast data specifically includes:

[0024] Based on the imaging data, the average intensity of the contrast agent microbubbles when the contrast agent is perfused into the region of interest is obtained, and a curve showing the change of the average intensity over time is generated based on the perfusion time.

[0025] Extract the time and intensity parameters from the change curve to determine the perfusion characteristics.

[0026] As a further improvement to this application, the step of obtaining morphological and hemodynamic information of the vascular network within the region of interest based on the radio frequency data analysis, and extracting the vascular blood flow parameters therein, specifically includes:

[0027] The radio frequency data is filtered and processed, and the position of the contrast agent microbubbles is continuously located based on the radio frequency data;

[0028] Track the movement trajectory of the contrast agent microbubbles to obtain the density and velocity information of the contrast agent microbubbles;

[0029] The density information and velocity information are mapped into the vascular network space and morphological and dynamic imaging is performed to obtain morphological and hemodynamic information.

[0030] The blood flow parameters of the vessel are extracted from morphological and hemodynamic information.

[0031] As a further improvement to this application, the process of acquiring radio frequency data and correspondingly obtaining the contrast data in the contrast video further includes:

[0032] During ultrasound scanning, the tissue grayscale image is monitored, and the imaging section is adjusted based on the tissue grayscale image so that the acquisition process of the radiofrequency data and the contrast data is based on the same imaging section.

[0033] As a further improvement to this application, the step of obtaining morphological and hemodynamic information of the vascular network within the region of interest based on the radio frequency data analysis, and extracting the vascular blood flow parameters therein, specifically includes:

[0034] Acquire and store multiple frames of tissue grayscale images corresponding to the imaging video along the time dimension, and perform correlation analysis on the stored multiple frames of tissue grayscale images to obtain the tissue motion difference curve;

[0035] Based on the motion difference curve indication, a portion of the data frames in the radio frequency data are obtained. The data frames are characterized as a portion of the data in the radio frequency data whose motion difference of the scanned cross section meets a preset condition.

[0036] The data frames are filtered and processed to continuously locate the position of the contrast agent microbubbles based on the data frames;

[0037] Track the movement trajectory of the contrast agent microbubbles to obtain the density and velocity information of the contrast agent microbubbles;

[0038] The density information and velocity information are mapped into the vascular network space and morphological and dynamic imaging is performed to obtain morphological and hemodynamic information.

[0039] The blood flow parameters of the vessel are extracted from morphological and hemodynamic information.

[0040] This application also provides an ultrasound imaging system, the system comprising: an ultrasound probe for emitting ultrasound waves to perform ultrasound scanning of a region of interest;

[0041] A transceiver control module is electrically connected to the ultrasonic probe and is used to control the ultrasonic probe to emit ultrasonic waves and receive the echo signals of the ultrasonic waves.

[0042] The imaging and processing analysis module is electrically connected to the transceiver control module and configured to determine the comprehensive features of the region of interest of the object using the ultrasound contrast imaging method described above.

[0043] Compared with existing technologies, this application has the following advantages: By combining perfusion characteristics and vascular blood flow parameters, it is possible to analyze the perfusion status of blood vessels within the region of interest from a macroscopic perspective, and to analyze the dynamic and morphological information of blood vessels within the region of interest from a microscopic perspective. Furthermore, since the perfusion characteristics and vascular blood flow parameters are acquired synchronously at the same time, the information synchronization between the perfusion characteristics and vascular blood flow parameters is higher, and their combination is stronger, resulting in more accurate analysis and judgment of the region of interest, which helps medical personnel to gain a deeper understanding of the region of interest. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 is a flowchart of an ultrasound contrast imaging method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the specific process of acquiring radio frequency data and correspondingly obtaining the angiography data in the angiography video in one embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the data acquisition process in one embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the specific process of obtaining the perfusion characteristics of the contrast agent in the region of interest based on contrast data in one embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the change curve of average intensity over time in one embodiment of this application.

[0049] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the process of obtaining morphological and hemodynamic information of the vascular network within the region of interest and extracting vascular blood flow parameters based on radio frequency data analysis in one embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process of obtaining morphological and hemodynamic information of the vascular network within the region of interest and extracting vascular blood flow parameters based on radio frequency data analysis in another embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an ultrasound contrast imaging system according to one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The present application will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present application, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of this application.

[0053] The imaging techniques described in this application include two-dimensional imaging and the determination of comprehensive features, as well as three-dimensional imaging and the determination of comprehensive features.

[0054] One embodiment of this application provides an ultrasound contrast imaging method that can integrate multiple types of data (ultrasound radiofrequency data, ultrasound tissue grayscale images, and ultrasound contrast imaging videos) to form multi-scale ultrasound contrast imaging images in order to determine the comprehensive features of the region of interest as information for intermediate results.

[0055] In the technical field corresponding to this application, imaging section is an important concept in medical imaging for acquiring and analyzing images. Imaging sections can clearly display the structure, morphology, and distribution of various tissues and organs within the human body. By analyzing the images presented by the imaging section, it is possible to determine the presence of lesions, such as tumors, cysts, and inflammation, and to preliminarily determine the nature, size, location, and relationship with surrounding tissues of the lesion, serving as information for intermediate results. Imaging sections include transverse sections, longitudinal sections, coronal sections, and sagittal sections. In this application, the imaging section can be a section scanned by an ultrasound probe emitting a sound beam. Specifically, the probe element direction and depth direction form the xz section. The x-axis typically represents the probe element direction (i.e., the scanning range in the probe width direction), while the z-axis represents the depth direction of the sound beam (i.e., the direction in which the sound wave penetrates the tissue).

[0056] In this field, a Region of Interest (ROI) refers to a specific area or object in an image that is of particular interest, typically containing key information that needs to be identified, analyzed, or processed. In the medical field, the ROI may specifically refer to a potential lesion area.

[0057] In one embodiment of this application, the imaging section can be selected by medical personnel according to the actual situation.

[0058] Specifically, medical staff can determine whether the current section in the tissue grayscale image contains the region of interest (ROI) before initiating angiography. When analyzing radiofrequency data to extract vascular blood flow parameters, the ROI can be further manually selected. Similarly, when obtaining the perfusion characteristics of the contrast agent within the ROI based on the angiography data, the ROI can also be manually selected.

[0059] As shown in Figure 1, in one embodiment of this application, the ultrasound contrast imaging method includes at least the following steps:

[0060] Step S1: Determine the region of interest and imaging section of the object, perform ultrasound scanning on the region of interest, and simultaneously generate tissue grayscale images and contrast videos.

[0061] The imaging video comprises multiple imaging images that are consecutive in time.

[0062] When performing ultrasound scanning of the region of interest and simultaneously generating tissue grayscale images and contrast-enhanced videos, the assistance of a contrast agent is required. This contrast agent is typically a substance capable of absorbing or reflecting sound waves of a specific wavelength. When it is in the human body, ultrasound scanning is performed, and the returned signals are processed to extract the microbubble signals of the contrast agent. At this point, the signals from surrounding tissues are suppressed, and only the microbubble signals are retained. Thus, by analyzing the microbubble signals within the body, abnormal sites can be identified more accurately; the microbubble signals serve as intermediate results, allowing doctors to diagnose and treat lesions. In this application, the ultrasound scanning may include emitting ultrasound waves towards the region of interest.

[0063] In this application, tissue grayscale images generally refer to grayscale images generated after scanning the internal tissue structures of the human body using ultrasound in B-mode. Specifically, the ultrasound B-mode is a grayscale imaging mode.

[0064] In this application, the contrast-enhanced video generated by ultrasound contrast imaging is a medical image in which the backscattered signal flowing through a tissue or organ is enhanced with the aid of a contrast agent, thereby making the tissue or organ stand out more in the image.

[0065] By scanning the region of interest with ultrasound, a grayscale image and contrast video of the tissue in the region of interest are generated. As the contrast agent begins to enter the region of interest, the contrast video changes dynamically in real time according to the flow of the contrast agent.

[0066] Step S2: Collect contrast data from the contrast video within a selected time period and obtain the corresponding radio frequency data. The radio frequency data and the contrast data correspond in the time dimension.

[0067] The radio frequency (RF) data includes multiple frames of data; specifically, it can be the RF data of ultrasonic echoes acquired based on data acquisition commands. The RF data characterizes the echo signals of contrast agent microbubbles generated during ultrasonic scanning of a cross-section. The scanning cross-section includes a region of interest.

[0068] In this application, contrast data from contrast-enhanced videos can be acquired simultaneously with radio frequency data acquisition. In one embodiment, the contrast data is a collection of multiple consecutive contrast-enhanced images from a contrast-enhanced video.

[0069] The correspondence between the radio frequency data and the angiography data in the time dimension can be understood as simultaneously acquiring radio frequency data and angiography data and simultaneously ending the acquisition of radio frequency data and angiography data.

[0070] In one embodiment, radio frequency data and imaging data can be acquired multiple times.

[0071] Step S3: Obtain the perfusion characteristics of the contrast agent within the region of interest based on the angiography data. Analyze the radiofrequency data to obtain the morphological and hemodynamic information of the vascular network within the region of interest, and extract the vascular blood flow parameters.

[0072] Anomalies in the region of interest can be identified by the difference between the perfusion characteristics of the contrast agent in the region of interest and the perfusion characteristics in other regions.

[0073] In one embodiment, the perfusion feature includes the enhancement amount of contrast agent perfusion. This perfusion feature can be used to obtain information about abnormalities in the region of interest. In one embodiment, the perfusion feature can be used to determine whether the region of interest includes a malignant or benign tumor.

[0074] Because the contrast agent flows within the region of interest, morphological and hemodynamic information of the blood vessels can be obtained specifically based on the flow status of the contrast agent contained in the radiofrequency data. The morphological information of the blood vessels mainly focuses on their structural and morphological characteristics. The hemodynamic information of the blood flow mainly focuses on the flow characteristics of blood within the blood vessels.

[0075] In one embodiment, vascular blood flow parameters include blood flow velocity, vascular density, tortuosity, and complexity within the blood vessel.

[0076] Thus, the detection of vascular blood flow parameters helps assess the severity of vascular lesions. For example, in cardiovascular angiography, parameters such as blood flow velocity, vascular density, tortuosity, and complexity can be used to determine the severity of coronary artery disease. Before interventional treatments (such as embolization and chemoembolization), understanding the vascular condition of the region of interest through angiography helps in developing a precise interventional treatment plan and reducing the occurrence of complications.

[0077] Step S4: Determine the comprehensive characteristics of the region of interest based on the perfusion characteristics and vascular blood flow parameters.

[0078] Thus, by combining perfusion characteristics and vascular blood flow parameters, we can analyze the perfusion status of vessels within the region of interest from a macroscopic perspective, and analyze the dynamic and morphological information of the vessels within the region of interest from a microscopic perspective. In one embodiment, radiofrequency data and angiography data are acquired synchronously at the same time. This results in higher synchronization and stronger integration of perfusion characteristics and vascular blood flow parameters, leading to more accurate analysis and judgment of the region of interest and helping medical staff to gain a deeper understanding of the region of interest.

[0079] In this application, perfusion features are generated based on contrast data from angiography videos, which are generated by ultrasound detection of the contrast agent. Vascular blood flow parameters are generated based on radiofrequency data from the echo signals of the contrast agent detected by ultrasound. Both perfusion features and vascular blood flow parameters are based on the same imaging plane and originate from ultrasound detection of the contrast agent. In this application, perfusion features are used to macroscopically represent the perfusion information of the contrast agent within the region of interest; vascular blood flow parameters are used microscopically to represent the dynamic information of contrast agent metabolism with blood flow and vascular morphology. The combination of both macroscopic and microscopic scales jointly determines the comprehensive characteristics of the region of interest. Compared to a single indicator, the generated comprehensive features, as intermediate results for diagnosis and treatment, can better provide reference for medical personnel.

[0080] In one embodiment of this application, the step of performing ultrasound scanning of the region of interest and simultaneously generating a tissue grayscale image and contrast video includes:

[0081] It emits ultrasonic signals; receives echo signals of ultrasonic waves; and generates tissue grayscale images and contrast videos based on the echo signals.

[0082] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic signal can be emitted in a focused, weakly focused, or unfocused manner (e.g., plane wave emission or divergent wave emission).

[0083] As shown in Figure 2, in one embodiment of this application, the step S2 of acquiring radio frequency data and correspondingly obtaining contrast data from the contrast video specifically includes:

[0084] Step S2.1: Detect and receive data acquisition instructions during the ultrasound scan. The data acquisition instructions are generated at least once based on the real-time status of the tissue grayscale image and the contrast video.

[0085] Step S2.2: Collect radio frequency data characterizing the ultrasonic echo according to the data acquisition command and simultaneously extract the angiography data from the angiography video.

[0086] The process of perfusing contrast agent into the region of interest specifically includes: a contrast agent perfusion phase, a peak contrast agent intensity phase, and a phase of gradual metabolism and elimination of the contrast agent. In one embodiment, the data acquisition command is generated at any time during the perfusion phase. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the data acquisition command is generated at any time during the contrast agent decay phase. In yet another embodiment, the data acquisition command is generated at any time during both the perfusion and decay phases; for example, once during the perfusion phase and once during the decay phase. It should be noted that in other embodiments, this application does not limit the number of times the data acquisition command is generated.

[0087] In Figure 3, URM stands for Ultrasound Resolution Microscopy. The Wash-in stage refers to the phase where the contrast agent, after being introduced into the body via a specific method, reaches the target tissue or organ through blood circulation. The Wash-out stage refers to the phase where the contrast agent, after filling the target tissue or organ, is gradually removed from that tissue or organ over time. The objects to which contrast agents are introduced, perfused, injected, or infused can be educational human models and the organs or tissues included in those models.

[0088] In one embodiment, the data acquisition command is automatically generated based on a preset time. In another embodiment, the data acquisition command is manually generated based on observations by medical personnel.

[0089] Specifically, step S2.1, "generating based on the real-time status of the tissue grayscale image and the contrast video," can be defined as generating a data acquisition command based on the stable state of the tissue grayscale image and the flow of the contrast agent displayed in the contrast video (such as the contrast agent starting to enter the region of interest).

[0090] Based on the above implementation methods, in one embodiment, the ultrasound contrast imaging method provided by this application further includes: detecting and receiving an acquisition termination command during the ultrasound scanning process.

[0091] During the ultrasonic scan, detect and receive at least one data acquisition command;

[0092] The acquisition is continuously collected based on the received data acquisition instruction and the radio frequency data and the contrast imaging data, and the acquisition ends when the acquisition ends upon receiving the acquisition end instruction. The acquisition end instruction is generated based on the real-time status of the tissue grayscale image and the contrast imaging video.

[0093] The above steps can be included in step S2.1.

[0094] In this way, the collection time can be controlled by controlling the generation of the collection end command. The collection time can be selectively extended or shortened according to the actual situation, which is more controllable and allows medical staff to make flexible adjustments.

[0095] In another embodiment, the ultrasound contrast imaging method provided in this application further includes: a preset acquisition duration:

[0096] During the ultrasonic scan, detect and receive at least one data acquisition command;

[0097] According to the data acquisition instruction, the radio frequency data and the angiography data are acquired within the preset time period.

[0098] The above steps can be included in step S2.1.

[0099] In this way, by setting a preset acquisition duration, the system can automatically end the acquisition of radiofrequency data and angiography data, and the acquisition duration can be preset in advance, reducing the workload of medical staff.

[0100] As shown in Figure 4, in one embodiment of this application, the step S3 of obtaining the perfusion characteristics of the contrast agent in the region of interest based on the contrast data specifically includes:

[0101] Step K3.1: Obtain the average intensity of contrast agent microbubbles when the contrast agent is perfused into the region of interest based on the contrast data, and generate a curve showing the change of the average intensity over time based on the perfusion time;

[0102] Step K3.2: Extract the time and intensity parameters from the change curve to determine the perfusion characteristics.

[0103] The intensity of contrast agent microbubbles can be characterized by their brightness in the image. The average intensity of the contrast agent microbubbles can be obtained by calculating the sum of the grayscale signals of all contrast agent microbubbles in the region of interest and dividing by the number of contrast agent microbubbles in the region of interest.

[0104] Regarding the curves showing the variation of average intensity over time, the average intensity of contrast agent microbubbles within the region of interest can be continuously calculated based on the acquisition duration, and the curves are formed according to the time relationship. The horizontal axis of the curve represents the time variable, and the vertical axis represents the average intensity variable.

[0105] In one embodiment, the ultrasound contrast imaging method provided in this application further includes: determining time parameters such as the arrival time of average intensity, the peak time of average intensity, and the time to half the peak value, and / or determining intensity parameters such as peak intensity and the time to half the peak value, based on the change curve. As shown in Figure 5, the arrival time of average intensity is understood as the time when contrast agent microbubbles appear in the region of interest, or it can be the time when the average intensity value appears in the change curve; the peak time of average intensity is understood as the time when the average intensity of the contrast agent microbubbles in the region of interest reaches the peak intensity (i.e., reaches its maximum); and the time to half the peak value is understood as the time when the average intensity of the contrast agent microbubbles in the region of interest reaches half the peak value (i.e., half the peak intensity).

[0106] The perfusion characteristics of the contrast agent in the region of interest are determined based on time parameters such as the arrival time of average intensity, the time to peak of average intensity, and the time to half the peak intensity, as well as intensity parameters such as peak intensity and half the peak intensity.

[0107] As shown in Figure 6, in one embodiment of this application, step S3, which involves obtaining the morphological and hemodynamic information of the vascular network within the region of interest based on the radio frequency data analysis and extracting the vascular blood flow parameters therein, specifically includes:

[0108] Step Z3.1: Filter the radio frequency data and continuously locate the position of the contrast agent microbubbles based on the radio frequency data.

[0109] Step Z3.2: Track the movement trajectory of the contrast agent microbubbles to obtain the density and velocity information of the contrast agent microbubbles.

[0110] Step Z3.3: Map the density information and velocity information into the vascular network space and perform morphological and dynamic imaging to obtain morphological and hemodynamic information.

[0111] Step Z3.4: Extract the blood flow parameters of the blood vessels from the morphological and hemodynamic information.

[0112] In the above embodiments, by filtering, locating and tracking the contrast agent in multi-frame radio frequency data, background noise and unnecessary interference signals can be removed, image quality can be improved, and the motion trajectory of microbubbles can be obtained.

[0113] The density information may be or includes information characterizing the density distribution of contrast agent microbubbles within blood vessels, which can be determined by statistically analyzing the number of microbubbles per unit volume or unit area.

[0114] The velocity information can be calculated based on the rate of change of the displacement of the contrast agent microbubbles over time. Specifically, the velocity information can be determined by determining the displacement based on the motion trajectory of the contrast agent microbubbles and combining it with the duration of data acquisition.

[0115] In one embodiment, step Z3.3 may specifically include: mapping the density information and velocity information onto the vascular network space of the image to perform morphological imaging and dynamic imaging, and obtaining morphological and hemodynamic information of blood vessels by analyzing the morphological imaging and dynamic imaging.

[0116] In one embodiment of this application, in step S2, when acquiring radio frequency data and correspondingly obtaining contrast data in the contrast video, the ultrasound contrast imaging method provided by this application further includes: monitoring the tissue grayscale image during ultrasound scanning, and guiding and adjusting the imaging section according to the tissue grayscale image, so that the acquisition process of the radio frequency data and the contrast data is based on the same imaging section.

[0117] This ensures the stability of the imaging section and prevents object shift during data acquisition, which could cause the data to correspond to a different region than the region of interest.

[0118] As shown in Figure 7, in one embodiment of this application, the step S3, which involves obtaining the morphological and hemodynamic information of the vascular network within the region of interest based on the radio frequency data analysis and extracting the vascular blood flow parameters therein, specifically includes:

[0119] Step T3.1: Acquire and store multiple frames of tissue grayscale images corresponding to the imaging video along the time dimension, and perform correlation analysis on the stored multiple frames of tissue grayscale images to obtain the tissue motion difference curve.

[0120] Motion difference curves describe the differences in movement of an organization over time. They are used to show the changes in movement within an organization or between different organizations over a specific period of time.

[0121] In one embodiment, the correlation analysis includes the steps of: extracting features for analysis from each frame of radio frequency data; calculating the displacement of pixels or regions between adjacent frames using image processing techniques (such as feature point tracking techniques) to obtain tissue motion information; and calculating the motion difference within the tissue or between different tissues within a specific time period based on the motion information. The features for analysis may be pixel positions, grayscale values, texture features, etc.

[0122] Step T3.2: Based on the motion difference curve indication, obtain a portion of the data frames in the radio frequency data. The data frames represent the portion of the data in the radio frequency data whose motion difference of the scanned cross section meets the preset conditions.

[0123] The acquisition of a portion of the data frames in the radio frequency data may specifically include: selecting the data frames corresponding to a segment of the motion difference curve with smaller motion differences.

[0124] In one embodiment, the degree of difference satisfies a preset condition, which represents a range.

[0125] In another embodiment, the degree of difference can be selected based on observations by medical staff.

[0126] Step T3.3: Filter the data frame and continuously locate the position of the contrast agent microbubbles based on the data frame.

[0127] Specifically, the data frame is subjected to high-pass filtering.

[0128] Step T3.4: Track the movement trajectory of the contrast agent microbubbles to obtain the density and velocity information of the contrast agent microbubbles.

[0129] Step T3.5: Map the density information and velocity information into the vascular network space and perform morphological and dynamic imaging to obtain morphological and hemodynamic information.

[0130] Step T3.6: Extract the blood flow parameters of the blood vessels from the morphological and hemodynamic information.

[0131] In this way, by selecting the data frame corresponding to a curve segment with relatively small differences, the accuracy of the data can be guaranteed.

[0132] In one embodiment of this application, when analyzing the motion trajectory of contrast agent microbubbles based on radio frequency data, the velocity information of the contrast agent microbubbles can be calculated by constraining acceleration, making the calculated information more accurate and reliable.

[0133] As shown in Figure 8, in one embodiment of this application, an ultrasound contrast imaging system is also provided. This ultrasound contrast imaging system is used to perform ultrasound scanning and determine data information indicating abnormalities in the corresponding region of interest for reference by medical personnel. The ultrasound contrast imaging system includes an ultrasound probe 1, a transceiver control module 2, and an imaging and processing analysis module 3.

[0134] Ultrasonic probe 1 is used to emit ultrasonic waves to perform ultrasonic scanning of the region of interest.

[0135] The transceiver control module 2 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic probe and is used to control the ultrasonic probe 1 to emit ultrasonic waves and receive the echo signals of the ultrasonic waves.

[0136] The imaging and processing analysis module 3 is electrically connected to the transceiver control module 2 and is configured to determine the comprehensive features of the region of interest of the object using the ultrasound contrast imaging method as described in any of the preceding embodiments.

[0137] In one embodiment of this application, the transceiver control module 2 can be configured to control the ultrasound probe to perform ultrasound scanning for tissue imaging and to control the ultrasound probe to perform ultrasound scanning for contrast imaging. The transceiver control module 2 can also be configured to change the time ratio between tissue imaging and contrast imaging as needed. Furthermore, the transceiver control module 2 can be configured to adjust the transmission mode of the ultrasound waves used for tissue imaging and contrast imaging (e.g., focused scan line, weakly focused wide beam, non-focused plane wave, and diffuse wave).

[0138] In summary, one embodiment of this application provides an ultrasound contrast imaging method that addresses the problem that existing contrast imaging techniques primarily rely on the macroscopic distribution of contrast agents, resulting in insufficient ability to capture the details of contrast agent microbubbles within blood vessels or tissues. This method primarily relies on contrast agents; after ultrasound scanning generates tissue grayscale images and contrast imaging videos, radiofrequency data and contrast data are simultaneously acquired. Perfusion characteristics and vascular blood flow parameters are obtained through analysis of the radiofrequency and contrast data, and the region of interest is determined by combining the perfusion characteristics and vascular blood flow parameters.

[0139] To further improve data accuracy, the ultrasound contrast imaging method provided in one embodiment of this application also utilizes tissue grayscale images to ensure the consistency of imaging sections. At the same time, before radiofrequency data analysis, correlation processing of the tissue grayscale images is performed to obtain a segment with small motion differences, thereby extracting the corresponding partial frames in the radiofrequency data. Then, the vascular blood flow parameters are obtained by analyzing this part of the data frames, thereby improving the accuracy of data analysis.

[0140] Another embodiment of this application provides an ultrasound contrast imaging system based on multi-scale data. The system includes an ultrasound probe, a transceiver control module, and an imaging and processing analysis module. It is used for scanning using the aforementioned ultrasound contrast imaging method.

[0141] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems and modules described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method implementations, and will not be repeated here.

[0142] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, methods, and approaches can be implemented in other ways. For example, the system implementations described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the shown or discussed mutual couplings, direct couplings, or communication connections may be through some interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between systems or modules may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules, i.e., they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0143] Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software functional modules. The integrated module implemented as a software functional module can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. This software functional module, stored in a storage medium, includes several instructions to cause a computer system (which may be a personal computer, server, or network system, etc.) or processor to execute some steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0144] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A method for ultrasound contrast imaging, characterized in that, include: Determine the region of interest and imaging section of the object, perform ultrasound scanning on the region of interest, and simultaneously generate tissue grayscale images and contrast videos; Collect contrast data from the contrast video within a selected time period and obtain corresponding radio frequency data, wherein the radio frequency data and the contrast data correspond in the time dimension; Based on the imaging data, the perfusion characteristics of the contrast agent in the region of interest are obtained; Based on the radio frequency data analysis, the morphological and hemodynamic information of the vascular network in the region of interest is obtained, and the vascular blood flow parameters are extracted. The comprehensive characteristics of the region of interest are determined based on the perfusion characteristics and vascular blood flow parameters.

2. The ultrasound contrast imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of performing ultrasound scanning of the region of interest and simultaneously generating tissue grayscale images and contrast-enhanced videos includes: Emitting ultrasonic signals; The echo signal of ultrasound is received, and a tissue grayscale image and contrast video are generated based on the echo signal.

3. The ultrasound contrast imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific steps for acquiring radio frequency data and correspondingly obtaining imaging data from the imaging video include: During the ultrasound scan, a data acquisition command is detected and received, which is generated at least once based on the real-time status of the tissue grayscale image and the contrast video. According to the data acquisition instructions, radio frequency data characterizing ultrasonic echoes are acquired and contrast data in the contrast video is extracted simultaneously.

4. The ultrasound contrast imaging method according to claim 3, characterized in that, This also includes detecting and receiving the acquisition end command during the ultrasound scan: During the ultrasonic scan, detect and receive at least one data acquisition command; The acquisition is continuously collected based on the received data acquisition instruction and the radio frequency data and the contrast imaging data, and the acquisition ends when the acquisition ends upon receiving the acquisition end instruction. The acquisition end instruction is generated based on the real-time status of the tissue grayscale image and the contrast imaging video.

5. The ultrasound contrast imaging method according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes preset collection duration: During the ultrasonic scan, detect and receive at least one data acquisition command; According to the data acquisition instruction, the radio frequency data and the angiography data are acquired within the preset time period.

6. The ultrasound contrast imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific steps of obtaining the perfusion characteristics of the contrast agent in the region of interest based on the contrast data include: Based on the imaging data, the average intensity of the contrast agent microbubbles when the contrast agent is perfused into the region of interest is obtained, and a curve showing the change of the average intensity over time is generated based on the perfusion time. Extract the time and intensity parameters from the change curve to determine the perfusion characteristics.

7. The ultrasound contrast imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining morphological and hemodynamic information of the vascular network within the region of interest based on the radio frequency data analysis, and extracting vascular blood flow parameters therein, specifically includes: The radio frequency data is filtered and processed, and the position of the contrast agent microbubbles is continuously located based on the radio frequency data; Track the movement trajectory of the contrast agent microbubbles to obtain the density and velocity information of the contrast agent microbubbles; The density information and velocity information are mapped into the vascular network space and morphological and dynamic imaging is performed to obtain morphological and hemodynamic information. The blood flow parameters of the vessel are extracted from morphological and hemodynamic information.

8. The ultrasound contrast imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of acquiring radio frequency data and correspondingly obtaining the contrast data in the contrast video also includes: During ultrasound scanning, the tissue grayscale image is monitored, and the imaging section is adjusted based on the tissue grayscale image so that the acquisition process of the radiofrequency data and the contrast data is based on the same imaging section.

9. The ultrasound contrast imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining morphological and hemodynamic information of the vascular network within the region of interest based on the radio frequency data analysis, and extracting vascular blood flow parameters therein, specifically includes: Acquire and store multiple frames of tissue grayscale images corresponding to the imaging video along the time dimension, and perform correlation analysis on the stored multiple frames of tissue grayscale images to obtain the tissue motion difference curve; Based on the motion difference curve indication, a portion of the data frames in the radio frequency data are obtained. The data frames are characterized as a portion of the data in the radio frequency data whose motion difference of the scanned cross section meets a preset condition. The data frames are filtered and processed to continuously locate the position of the contrast agent microbubbles based on the data frames; Track the movement trajectory of the contrast agent microbubbles to obtain the density and velocity information of the contrast agent microbubbles; The density information and velocity information are mapped into the vascular network space and morphological and dynamic imaging is performed to obtain morphological and hemodynamic information. The blood flow parameters of the vessel are extracted from morphological and hemodynamic information.

10. An ultrasound contrast imaging system, characterized in that, include: An ultrasonic probe is used to emit ultrasonic waves to perform ultrasonic scanning of a region of interest. A transceiver control module is electrically connected to the ultrasonic probe and is used to control the ultrasonic probe to emit ultrasonic waves and receive the echo signals of the ultrasonic waves. An imaging and processing analysis module is electrically connected to the transceiver control module and configured to determine the comprehensive features of the region of interest of the object using the ultrasound contrast imaging method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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