Arterial Wall Viscoelasticity Estimation Using Simulated Wave Velocities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to provide a reliable estimation of the viscoelasticity of arterial or venous walls, which is crucial for early detection of cardiovascular diseases, as they primarily focus on elasticity and neglect viscosity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using ultrasound data and shear wave elastography to determine viscoelasticity by correlating measured and simulated wall velocities in various domains, employing full wave analysis and interpolation matrices to estimate both elastic and viscous parts of the modulus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasound methods are used to estimate arterial stiffness, then elasticity can be measured, but viscosity cannot be reliably estimated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the viscoelasticity estimation into two distinct components: elastic modulus estimation using group velocity matching, and viscosity estimation using decay profile matching. This segmentation allows each parameter to be estimated using the most appropriate measurement approach, resolving the contradiction between measuring elasticity and viscosity reliably
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces simulated wall velocity as an intermediary between measured ultrasound data and viscoelasticity parameters. By comparing measured velocity with simulated velocity that incorporates both elastic and viscous properties, the system can reliably estimate both components of viscoelasticity that conventional methods cannot measure simultaneously
2Measurement precision
If full wave analysis with correlation optimization is used, then viscoelasticity estimation accuracy improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex full wave analysis into separate optimization steps: first optimizing elastic modulus by matching group velocities, then optimizing viscosity by matching decay profiles. This segmentation reduces computational complexity compared to simultaneous optimization of all parameters, while maintaining high estimation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary elastic modulus estimation using group velocity matching before conducting the more computationally intensive viscosity estimation. This preliminary action provides a starting point that simplifies subsequent optimization, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining accuracy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Accurately estimates viscoelasticity of arterial or venous walls, providing a comprehensive biomarker for cardiovascular health assessment, validated through synthetic and experimental data.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining ultrasound data of an arterial or venous wall for a defined acoustic radiation force (ARF)
Implementation Method 2
A method and system using ultrasound data and shear wave elastography to determine viscoelasticity
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples are provided related to estimation of viscoelasticity of an arterial or venous wall. In one example, a method includes obtaining ultrasound data of an arterial or venous wall for a defined acoustic radiation force; and determining viscoelasticity of the arterial or venous wall. The viscoelasticity can be determined based upon correlation between measured and simulated wall velocity of the ultrasound data in a space-time, a wavenumber-frequency, wavenumber-time, or space-frequency domain; or in a sequential manner by determining the elastic part of the modulus by matching measured and simulated phase velocities and determining the viscoelasticity part by matching measured and simulated wall velocities; or a combination of both. The simulated velocity can be determined for a wall thickness and viscoelastic modulus of the arterial or venous wall through full wave analysis. In another example, a system includes an ultrasound scanner and a computing device that can implement the method.