2-Clinic Feasibility Study: Inverse Scatter Breast Scan

描述（由申请人提供）：该第一阶段SBIR项目属于快速通道项目，将提供概念测试、计算机模拟研究、基于实验室的硬件仿真和第二阶段SBIR项目中最终扫描仪的最终规格。这一快速通道工作的结果旨在用作一对先进的第二代“超声CT（tm）”乳腺癌检测和诊断扫描仪的构建和临床测试的基础、起始规范和设计。在第1阶段期间，将不进行扫描仪组件的构造。在第二阶段，这两个第二代扫描仪将安装在马约诊所和加州大学圣地亚哥医院。这些第二代扫描仪包括比TechniScan的第一代扫描仪改进的功能，该扫描仪于2004年8月安装在当地癌症中心。第一代扫描仪由两个相对但平行的2-D换能器阵列组成，它们围绕水箱中下垂的乳房旋转。阵列在每次360度旋转后也垂直移动。计算了声速和声衰减的逆散射、3-D、层析成像图像。自2004年8月以来，正在安装新的发射和接收阵列。对于这些能力，第二代扫描仪增加了：（1）通过波束遮蔽和通过发射和接收器阵列之间的相对旋转来改进逆散射面内空间分辨率和信噪比;（2）通过在垂直方向上倾斜阵列来改进逆散射空间分辨率;以及（3）通过添加商业OEM波束形成器来改进反射率成像。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This Phase-l SBIR project, of a Fast Track pair, will provide concept testing, computer simulation studies, laboratory-based hardware emulation and a final specification for the final scanner to be constructed in the Phase ll SBIR project. The result of this Fast Track effort is intended to be used as the foundation, starting specifications and design for the construction and clinical testing of a pair of advanced, second-generation, "Ultrasound CT(tm)" breast cancer detection and diagnostic scanners. No construction of scanner components will be done during Phase-l. During Phase-ll, these two second generation scanners would be installed at Mayo Clinic and at the University of California at San Diego Hospital. These second generation scanners include improved features over TechniScan's first generation scanner that was installed in a local cancer center in August 2004. The first generation scanners consist of two opposing, but parallel, 2-D transducer arrays that rotate about a pendent breast in a water tank. The arrays also are moved vertically after each 360 degree rotation. Inverse Scattering, 3-D, Tomographic images were computed for sound speed and acoustic attenuation. Since August 2004 new transmit and receiver arrays are being incorporated. To these capabilities the second generation scanner adds: (1) improved inverse scattering in-plane spatial resolution and signal to noise ratio by beam shading and by relative rotation between transmit and receiver arrays; (2) improved inverse scattering spatial resolution by tilting the arrays in a vertical direction; and (3) improved reflectivity imaging by adding a commercial OEM beam former.