Phase Aberration Correction in Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) performance is limited by phase aberration, which causes focusing errors and variations in tissue stiffness measurements, impacting diagnostic accuracy and treatment options, despite efforts to minimize degradation rather than address its underlying causes.
Innovation Solution
The system corrects phase aberration in ultrasound SWE by estimating tissue acoustic characteristics from B-mode image data, allowing for real-time pre- or post-compensation of phase aberration in shear wave pulse generation and reception, using high-frame rate B-mode imaging pulses interleaved with low-frame rate shear wave pulses to determine an improved delay profile for beamforming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasound SWE is used without phase aberration correction, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision and reliability of tissue stiffness measurements deteriorate due to phase aberration causing focusing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by estimating tissue acoustic characteristics from B-mode image data before conducting shear wave elastography measurements. A delay profile is determined from the B-mode data to pre-correct phase aberration, ensuring accurate focusing during the subsequent SWE measurement process. This preliminary characterization of tissue acoustic properties enables improved measurement precision without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the actual elastography measurement.
2Reliability
If phase aberration correction is implemented using B-mode image data, then the reliability of stiffness measurements improves, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by using the B-mode imaging data for dual purposes: first for generating anatomical images, and second for estimating tissue acoustic characteristics to correct phase aberration in SWE measurements. The same B-mode data that provides anatomical context also serves as the basis for determining the delay profile, eliminating the need for separate correction data acquisition and reducing overall system complexity while improving measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The delay profile acts as an intermediary element that bridges the B-mode image data and the shear wave elastography measurements. The delay profile is computed from the B-mode data and then applied to correct the focusing errors in the SWE measurements. This intermediary representation of tissue acoustic characteristics simplifies the correction process by providing a compact set of parameters that can be applied during beamforming without requiring complex real-time processing.
3Measurement precision
If high-frame rate B-mode imaging pulses are used for phase aberration estimation, then the accuracy of tissue acoustic characteristic estimation improves, but the productivity and scan time are reduced due to interleaved acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by using an interleaved acquisition scheme where B-mode imaging pulses are periodically inserted among the shear wave elastography pulse sequences. This periodic B-mode acquisition provides sufficient data for accurate phase aberration estimation while minimizing the impact on overall scan efficiency. The periodic nature allows the system to gather necessary correction data at optimal intervals without continuously interrupting the SWE measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by acquiring B-mode data at a high frame rate only during specific intervals needed for phase aberration estimation, rather than continuously throughout the entire scan. The interleaved scheme uses a subset of B-mode frames sufficient for determining the delay profile, avoiding excessive data acquisition that would unnecessarily reduce productivity. This partial acquisition approach balances the need for accurate acoustic characteristic estimation with maintaining acceptable scan efficiency.
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 improves the accuracy of tissue stiffness measurements by compensating for phase aberration, leading to more reliable and consistent ultrasound SWE data, enhancing diagnostic precision and confidence in medical assessments.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound imaging probe is used to produce shear waves in tissues and to measure the speed of the shear waves propagating through the tissues
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasound imaging probe may generate one or more push beams towards a target tissue to produce a shear wave at the target tissue
Implementation Method 3
The ultrasound imaging probe may receive an echo sequence (e.g., receive tracking beams) reflected back from the target tissue
Implementation Method 4
phase aberration may degrade ultrasound SWE performance more than attenuation. For example, phase aberration can cause focusing errors in push beams and/or tracking beams
Data Source
AI summary
Ultrasound image devices, systems, and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system includes an interface coupled to an ultrasound imaging component and configured to receive a plurality of image data frames representative of a target tissue; and a processing component in communication with the interface and configured to determine a delay profile for the ultrasound imaging component in relation to the target tissue based on the plurality of image data frames; and determine a phase aberration correction configuration for a sequence of one or more shear wave pulses based on the delay profile, the sequence of one or more shear wave pulses associated with the ultrasound imaging component and a stiffness measure of the target tissue.