Shear Wave Elastography ROI Precision via Segmented Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer-aided diagnosis systems for medical images lack effective methods to obtain accurate elasticity information of specific regions of interest (ROI) using shear waves, which is crucial for distinguishing between normal and abnormal tissues.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize shear waves to obtain first, second, and third elasticity information by inducing and measuring shear waves in objects and ROIs, combining these measurements to generate accurate elastography images, including beamforming and confidence score calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If shear wave is induced to the object to obtain first elasticity information, then elasticity information of the object can be obtained, but the measurement precision of the ROI elasticity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the elasticity measurement process into three distinct stages: (1) obtaining first elasticity information of the entire object using a plane wave, (2) obtaining second elasticity information of the ROI using a focused wave, and (3) synthesizing these to obtain third elasticity information specific to the ROI. This segmentation allows each measurement to target specific regions with appropriate wave types, improving overall measurement precision while preserving ROI-specific information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different ultrasound wave characteristics to different regions: plane waves are used for the entire object to capture global elasticity properties, while focused waves are used specifically for the ROI to capture local elasticity properties with higher precision. This local quality approach ensures that each region is measured with the most appropriate method for its specific requirements.
2Reliability
If only first elasticity information of the object is obtained, then the measurement process is simple, but the diagnostic accuracy for abnormal tissues is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by first obtaining the first elasticity information of the entire object using a plane wave before focusing on the ROI. This preliminary measurement helps identify potential abnormal regions, which then guides the subsequent focused measurement on the ROI. This two-stage approach improves diagnostic accuracy by ensuring that the ROI measurement is contextually informed by the overall object characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by synthesizing the first elasticity information (object-level) and second elasticity information (ROI-level) to obtain third elasticity information. The third elasticity information serves as refined feedback that combines the advantages of both measurements, providing higher diagnostic accuracy for abnormal tissues while maintaining a systematic measurement process.
3Measurement precision
If focused ultrasound wave is used to obtain second elasticity information of ROI, then the elasticity information of ROI can be obtained, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using focused waves only on the ROI rather than the entire object. This selective approach concentrates the measurement effort where it is most needed (in the ROI) while using the faster plane wave method for the rest of the object, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining high measurement precision for the critical ROI region.
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 precise determination of tissue elasticity, enabling better differentiation between normal and abnormal tissues, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy in medical imaging.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining first elasticity information of an object by using a shear wave induced to the object
Implementation Method 2
receiving an echo signal of a plane ultrasound wave which is irradiated onto the object
Implementation Method 3
performing beamforming of the echo signal, and calculating a displacement of the shear wave induced to the object by using the beamformed signal
Implementation Method 4
determining a velocity of the shear wave induced to the object by using the calculated displacement. The determining of the velocity of the first wave may include determining the velocity of the shear wave induced to the object by using a wave equation, including the displacement, or by using a change amount of the displacement based on time
Implementation Method 5
The ultrasound wave irradiated onto the ROI may include an ultrasound wave that forms a focal point at a portion of the ROI
Data Source
AI summary
A probe irradiates an ultrasound wave to an object to induce a shear wave and first elasticity information is obtained according to a first calculating scheme. An internal region of interest of the object is set based on shear modulus values included in the first elasticity information. Second elasticity information is obtained based on the shear wave induced to the internal region of interest, according to a second calculating scheme. Accurate elasticity information is acquired by using the first and second elasticity information to obtain third elasticity information from which an elastography image is generated for display to a user.