Wideband Image-Based Transskull Refocusing Using Dual-Mode Ultrasound Arrays

Hasan Aldiabat, Parker O'Brian, Dalong Liu, Emad S. Ebbini

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

A new image-based wideband transcranial refocusing algorithm is presented together with ex vivo experimental verification results. A dual-mode ultrasound array (DMUA) prototype and supporting real-time imaging platform are used for the acquisition and processing of refocusing beams through ex vivo skull samples. The algorithm utilizes pre-beamforming DMUA echo data to perform optimal refocusing in multiple frequency bands within the transducer bandwidth based on user selection of the target and any critical points on the skull where the exposure is to be minimized. Hydrophone measurements were performed in water tank with and without the skull in the path of the beam. These measurements clearly demonstrated that the focusing gain has non-monotonic frequency dependence for any target point. Moreover, the focusing gain profiles vary considerably between different target points. In the former case, the measurements were performed with and without refocusing. Additional experimental verification was obtained using ex vivo skull samples embedded in tissue-mimicking phantoms. Transient temperature rises at the target location (thermocouple junction) were recorded with and without optimal refocusing. The results from both setups clearly demonstrate the increase in focusing gain at the target location and its frequency dependence. The results clearly demonstrate that real-time, site-specific refocusing allows for synthesizing refocused tFUS beams with the maximum operating bandwidth allowable by the transmission characteristics of the skull to the target point(s).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number8579881
JournalIEEE International Ultrasonics Symposium, IUS
Volume2018-January
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
Event2018 IEEE International Ultrasonics Symposium, IUS 2018 - Kobe, Japan
Duration: Oct 22 2018Oct 25 2018

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work is funded by Grant NS098781 from the National Institutes of Health.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 IEEE.

Keywords

  • Phased arrays
  • propagation operators
  • therapeutic ultrasound
  • ultrasound imaging

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Wideband Image-Based Transskull Refocusing Using Dual-Mode Ultrasound Arrays'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this