Shear Wave Confidence Mapping for Ultrasound Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shear wave imaging, a technique for measuring tissue stiffness, faces challenges due to the complexity of acquiring reliable measurements, particularly for inexperienced users and in resource-limited settings, where image quality and reliability can be compromised by factors like poor probe contact, patient movement, and anatomical interference.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound imaging system is developed that includes a processor capable of calculating tissue stiffness values and generating confidence maps to indicate the reliability of these values. The system provides graphical overlays on ultrasound images, showing both tissue stiffness values and confidence levels, aiding users in identifying reliable data and improving image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If shear wave imaging is performed to measure tissue stiffness, then diagnostic information is obtained, but the complexity of acquiring reliable measurements increases and requires skilled technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates confidence values based on multiple confidence factors (signal-to-noise ratio, shear wave propagation characteristics, tissue displacement magnitude) and provides real-time feedback to the user through visual indicators. This feedback mechanism guides users on whether measurements are reliable without requiring expert interpretation of raw shear wave data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces confidence factors and confidence values as intermediary metrics between the raw shear wave measurements and the final tissue stiffness interpretation. These intermediaries automatically assess measurement quality based on objective criteria, removing the need for subjective expert judgment.
2Reliability
If multiple confidence factors are calculated for each pixel to determine measurement reliability, then measurement reliability is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The confidence assessment is segmented into multiple independent confidence factors (signal-to-noise ratio, shear wave propagation characteristics, tissue displacement magnitude). Each factor is calculated separately based on specific aspects of the shear wave data, allowing modular processing and independent optimization of each assessment criterion.
3Measurement precision
If confidence values are provided for each pixel to indicate data reliability, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the complexity of interpreting results increases for inexperienced users
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses color-coded visual indicators to represent different confidence levels across the tissue stiffness map. High confidence measurements are displayed with one color scheme while low confidence measurements use another, allowing users to quickly identify reliable versus unreliable data without complex interpretation. The visual feedback system automatically highlights areas where measurements meet quality thresholds.
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
The system enhances the reliability of tissue stiffness measurements by providing users with clear indications of data confidence, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing the need for repeated imaging or biopsies, especially in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
The tissue may respond to the force of the push pulse by deforming. This deformation may propagate through the tissue as one or more waves, referred to as shear waves. The propagation of the shear wave or waves through the tissue is monitored by additional ultrasound pulses
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for confidence mapping of shear wave measurements are disclosed. Confidence maps of shear wave image measurements may be generated from one or more confidence factors. Masking of graphical overlays of tissue stiffness values, based at least in part on the confidence map is disclosed. The confidence map and/or masked graphical overlays of tissue stiffness values may be superimposed on ultrasound images and provided on a display.