Ultrasound Shear Wave Detection of Amniotic Fluid Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound imaging techniques face challenges in clearly distinguishing amniotic fluid from other structures during obstetric ultrasound examinations, leading to inadequate visualization and measurement of fetal details due to difficulties in accurately locating and separating amniotic fluid from surrounding tissues.
Innovation Solution
The method employs shear wave propagation to detect and identify amniotic fluid by analyzing shear wave echo signals, which are then used to enhance the rendering of ultrasound images, allowing for improved discrimination between fetal and maternal structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasound imaging techniques are used, then the imaging process is simple and quick, but the ability to distinguish amniotic fluid from other structures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies shear wave vibration to the imaging system. Shear waves are generated and propagated through the tissue, and their interaction with amniotic fluid provides distinctive signal characteristics that enable accurate detection and differentiation of amniotic fluid from surrounding structures, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in shear wave propagation parameters (such as wave speed, attenuation, and reflection characteristics) when passing through different media. By analyzing these parameter changes, the system can accurately identify amniotic fluid boundaries and position, enhancing detection accuracy while maintaining a manageable imaging system
2Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasound imaging is used, then the imaging process is fast, but the visualization quality of fetal details is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
Shear wave vibration is introduced to enhance the visualization of fetal details. The shear waves provide additional contrast and structural information that improves the quality of fetal detail visualization, allowing for more accurate measurements while maintaining efficient imaging timing
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary shear wave propagation and signal analysis to pre-identify amniotic fluid regions and fetal structures before final image rendering. This preliminary action enables optimized imaging protocols that focus on critical areas, improving visualization quality without significantly extending total imaging time
3Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasound imaging is used, then the equipment is simple to operate, but the ability to separate amniotic fluid from surrounding tissues is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Shear wave vibration provides automatic differentiation between amniotic fluid and surrounding tissues based on their distinct mechanical properties. The system automatically processes shear wave signals to identify and separate amniotic fluid regions, improving separation accuracy while requiring minimal additional operator intervention or complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system performs self-service by automatically analyzing shear wave propagation patterns to identify and delineate amniotic fluid boundaries. The system autonomously separates amniotic fluid from surrounding tissues through algorithmic processing of vibration data, reducing the need for manual intervention and maintaining ease of operation
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 enables better visualization and measurement of fetal details by accurately locating amniotic fluid, enhancing the quality of ultrasound images and simplifying 3D/4D rendering by optimizing the rendering process based on the detected amniotic fluid position.
Implementation Method 1
a shear wave response is determined based on the captured echo signals. In this regard, because ultrasonic shear waves cannot propagate in fluids, they may be used in detecting fluids (including the amniotic fluid)
Implementation Method 2
transmitting shear waves into the area and capturing echo signals
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include systems and methods for detecting amniotic fluid position based on shear wave propagation. Ultrasound image data may be acquired, and shear wave related data for an area corresponding to the acquired ultrasound image data may also be acquired. Identification data associated with one or more particular structures or elements within the area may be generated based on the shear wave related data, and ultrasound imaging during an ultrasound examination may then be controlled based on the identification data. The ultrasound imaging may comprise generating and rendering one or more ultrasound images based on the acquired ultrasound image. The ultrasound examination may be obstetric (OB) ultrasound examination, with the area comprising one or more of: at least portion of a fetus, amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus, and tissue of a mother carrying the fetus.