Shear Wave Attenuation via K-Space Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating shear wave velocity in soft tissues are limited by the inherent viscoelastic nature of soft tissues, which causes wave energy diminishment, leading to inaccurate complex modulus calculations, thus reducing clinical utility.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that estimates shear wave attenuation using k-space analysis, allowing for a more accurate calculation of the complex modulus of tissues, which can be used in clinical analysis and diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If k-space analysis is used to estimate shear wave velocity, then wave velocity estimation is achieved, but accuracy is limited due to wave energy diminishment in viscoelastic tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of wave energy diminishment (attenuation) into a beneficial measurement parameter. By analyzing the attenuation characteristics of the shear wave in k-space, the system not only estimates wave velocity but also quantifies tissue attenuation, which provides additional information about tissue viscoelasticity and improves overall measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the measurement from a single parameter (wave velocity) to multiple parameters (wave velocity and attenuation). This is achieved by modifying the k-space analysis to extract both the phase information (for velocity) and amplitude decay information (for attenuation), thereby improving the accuracy of tissue mechanical property characterization.
2Device complexity
If simple wave velocity estimation is used, then calculation is straightforward, but clinical utility is reduced due to incomplete tissue mechanical property characterization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the k-space analysis multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously estimate both shear wave velocity and attenuation from the same data set. This universal approach uses a single analytical framework to provide comprehensive tissue mechanical property characterization, enhancing clinical utility without requiring separate measurement systems.
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 proposed system and method provide improved accuracy in calculating tissue attenuation and complex modulus, enhancing the clinical utility of shear wave velocity estimates by accounting for wave energy diminishment in soft tissues.
Implementation Method 1
cause a shear wave to propagate through the subject
Implementation Method 2
acquire data from the subject as the shear wave to propagates through the subject
Implementation Method 3
transform the data acquired by the ultrasound receiver into a frequency domain to form k-space data
Implementation Method 4
analyze the k-space data to determine an attenuation of the shear wave as it propagated through the subject
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method for ultrasound processes using wave attenuation derived from k-space analysis by analyzing spatial frequency domain data.