Elastography Method Combining Shear Wave and Strain Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elasticity imaging methods, such as shear wave and strain elasticity imaging, either lack high resolution or quantitative measurement, and there is no technology that combines the advantages of both to achieve simultaneous high resolution and quantitative measurement.
Innovation Solution
The method combines shear wave elasticity imaging with strain elasticity imaging by calculating strain elasticity data based on shear wave detection data, allowing for the generation and display of both shear wave and strain elasticity images in real time, using an ultrasonic probe to transmit and receive waves to generate and track shear waves, and process echo data to create these images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If shear wave elasticity imaging is used to achieve quantitative measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision (image resolution) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines shear wave elasticity imaging and strain elasticity imaging into a single integrated system. The processor simultaneously generates both shear wave elasticity images (providing quantitative measurement) and strain elasticity images (providing high-resolution morphological detail), merging the advantages of both methods to resolve the contradiction between measurement precision and image resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic probe and processing system are designed to perform multiple functions: generating shear waves for quantitative elasticity measurement, detecting strain for high-resolution imaging, and processing both types of data simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the single system to deliver both quantitative precision and high-resolution imaging without requiring separate devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If strain elasticity imaging is used to achieve high resolution, then manufacturing precision is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges strain elasticity imaging (high resolution) with shear wave elasticity imaging (quantitative measurement) in a single system. The processor generates both types of images simultaneously from the same ultrasonic echo data, allowing clinicians to obtain high-resolution morphological information while also achieving objective quantitative elasticity measurement, thus resolving the contradiction.
3Ease of operation
If compression elasticity imaging is used to improve ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical compression method with an automated acoustic radiation force system. The ultrasonic probe generates shear waves through focused acoustic radiation force, eliminating the need for manual pressing by the operator. This substitution maintains ease of operation (the system is still easy to operate) while dramatically improving reliability through automated, standardized, and repeatable shear wave generation without human variability.
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
This combination enables both qualitative judgment and quantitative measurement of tissue elasticity, improving diagnostic accuracy and stability by providing high-resolution images and objective quantitative data.
Implementation Method 1
exciting a focused ultrasound beam by a conventional ultrasonic probe to form an acoustic radiation force to make a shear wave source in the tissue
Implementation Method 2
receive echoes of the second ultrasonic waves to acquire second ultrasonic echo data based on the echoes of the second ultrasonic waves
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an elasticity imaging method, a system and a storage medium. The method comprises: controlling an ultrasonic probe to transmit first ultrasound waves to a target object to generate shear waves propagating in a region of interest of the target object; controlling the ultrasonic probe to transmit second ultrasonic waves to the ROI to track the shear waves propagating in the ROI and receive echoes of the second ultrasonic waves, and acquiring second ultrasonic echo data based on the echoes of the second ultrasonic waves; generating a shear wave elasticity image and a strain elasticity image based on the second ultrasonic echo data; and displaying the shear wave elasticity image and the strain elasticity image. As such, the strain elasticity data is calculated according to the shear wave detection data, to enable the combination of shear wave elasticity imaging and strain elasticity imaging.