3-D Transrectal Ultrasound with 2-D Arrays

描述（由申请人提供）：本提案的目的是开发一种用于前列腺体内成像的新型3-D超声和弹性成像系统。典型的经直肠超声系统（TRUS）使用双平面探头来获得两个垂直的B扫描，矢状视图和纵向视图。然后操纵探针以询问整个前列腺区域。这种扫描的结果可能在很大程度上取决于用户的技能，因为他/她必须在精神上整合几个图像以获得对三维解剖结构的理解。此外，超声引导活检的成功在很大程度上取决于操作者的技能，因为针必须在单个扫描平面内完美对准。然而，能够在三维中对前列腺进行体内成像的系统可以帮助缓解这些问题中的一些，并且因此显示出优于当今商业系统的改进的临床价值。使用创新的行列互连方案，256 x 256 5-10 MHz圆柱形2-D阵列将设计，原型和测试。这个新系统将允许合成一个完全采样的2-D阵列，能够在方位角和仰角动态聚焦。由于我们的系统将获得一个三维体积，新的前列腺冠状视图也将可用。为了证明概念，原型换能器将与64通道超声研究系统集成，用于收集产生圆柱形3D体积所需的必要回波信息。将进行一系列水槽和组织体模实验，以评价分辨率、对比度和信噪比方面的成像性能。最后，将进行少量的犬前列腺体外实验。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The objective of this proposal is to develop a novel 3-D ultrasound and elastography system for in vivo imaging of the prostate. Typical transrectal ultrasound systems (TRUS) use a bi-plane probe to obtain two perpendicular B-scans, a sagittal view and longitudinal view. The probe is then manipulated to interrogate the entire prostate region. The results of such a scan can depend heavily on skill of the user since he/she must mentally integrate several images to gain an understanding of the three-dimensional anatomy. In addition, the success of ultrasound-guided biopsies can largely depend on the skill of the operator since the needle must be perfectly aligned within a single scan plane. However, a system capable of in vivo imaging of the prostate in three dimensions could help alleviate some of these problems and therefore show improved clinical value over today's commercial systems. Using an innovative row-column interconnect scheme, 256 x 256 5-10 MHz cylindrical 2-D arrays will be designed, prototyped and tested. This new system will allow for the synthesis of a fully sampled 2-D array capable of dynamic focusing in azimuth and elevation. Since our system will acquire a 3-D volume, new coronal views of the prostate will also be available. To demonstrate proof of concept, a prototype transducer will be integrated with a 64 channel ultrasound research system used to gather the necessary echo information needed to produce cylindrical 3- D volumes. A series of water tank and tissue phantom experiments will be performed to evaluate imaging performance in terms of resolution, contrast, and signal-to-noise ratio. Lastly, a small number of in vitro experiments of canine prostates will be done.