Multi-Aperture Doppler Ultrasound for Full-Field Flow Vector Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanline-based Doppler ultrasound methods are limited in detecting flow velocity vectors that are transverse to the scanline axis, require predefined range gates for motion detection, and impose restrictions on B-mode image frame rates, making it difficult to accurately quantify blood flow without additional imaging sessions.
Innovation Solution
The method employs a multiple aperture ultrasound probe to transmit unfocused ultrasound signals, receive echoes, and perform beamforming to determine reflector positions and velocities without predefined range gates, enabling detection of motion in two dimensions and improving lateral resolution of B-mode images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional scanline-based Doppler ultrasound methods are used, then motion detection along the scanline axis is achieved, but flow velocity vectors transverse to the scanline axis cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional scanline-based Doppler measurement to two-dimensional plane wave-based measurement. By transmitting unfocused plane waves and receiving echoes at multiple apertures, the system can detect motion components in both the axial and lateral directions, enabling full vector velocity measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the transducer array into multiple apertures (e.g., first aperture, second aperture, third aperture positioned at angles) to independently measure different components of flow velocity. Each aperture provides measurement data for specific directional components, which are then combined to reconstruct the full velocity vector.
2Ease of manufacture
If predefined range gates are used for motion detection, then Doppler signal processing is simplified, but flexibility in selecting regions of interest is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static predefined range gates with dynamic beamforming capability. The system can dynamically select and focus on any region of interest within the field of view by adjusting beamforming parameters, allowing flexible adaptation to different anatomical structures and clinical scenarios without requiring predetermined gate configurations.
3Measurement precision
If scanline-based Doppler imaging is used, then Doppler velocity measurement is achieved, but B-mode image frame rates are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables simultaneous acquisition of both B-mode imaging data and Doppler velocity information through continuous plane wave transmission. By using multiple apertures to capture echo data in parallel, the system maintains continuous imaging capability without the intermittent interruptions required by traditional scanline methods, thereby achieving high frame rates while preserving Doppler measurement accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If probe alignment with motion direction is required for accurate Doppler measurement, then velocity measurement accuracy is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-aligning capability through plane wave transmission and multi-aperture reception. The system automatically determines the direction of motion and calculates velocity vectors without requiring manual probe alignment. The beamforming process inherently adapts to the orientation of blood flow, eliminating the need for operator intervention in alignment procedures.
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 approach allows for the detection of both speed and direction of moving reflectors without aligning the probe with motion direction, enhances B-mode image resolution, and improves Doppler velocity estimation accuracy by using ping-based Doppler imaging techniques with multiple aperture probes.
Implementation Method 1
Doppler methods in medical ultrasound encompass a number of related techniques for imaging and quantifying blood flow. For stationary targets, the round trip travel time of an ultrasound pulse transmitted from a transducer, reflected from the target, and returned back to the transducer is the same for each transmitted pulse. In the case of a moving object, successive echographic returns will arrive at different times with respect to the transmit pulse.
Implementation Method 2
transmitting an unfocused ultrasound signal from the transmit aperture into a region of interest and receiving echoes of only the unfocused ultrasound signal on a first receive aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A method of full-field or “ping-based” Doppler ultrasound imaging allows for detection of Doppler signals indicating moving reflectors at any point in an imaging field without the need to predefine range gates. In various embodiments, such whole-field Doppler imaging methods may include transmitting a Doppler ping from a transmit aperture, receiving echoes of the Doppler ping with one or more separate receive apertures, detecting Doppler signals and determining the speed of moving reflectors. In some embodiments, the system also provides the ability to determine the direction of motion by solving a set of simultaneous equations based on echo data received by multiple receive apertures.