2-Clinic Feasibility Study: Inverse Scatter Breast Scan

描述(由申请人提供)：该阶段-L SBIR项目，一个快速通道对，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最终规格的最终扫描仪将在第二阶段SBIR项目中建造。这项Fast Track工作的结果将被用作建造和临床测试两台先进的第二代“超声波CT(Tm)”乳腺癌检测和诊断扫描仪的基础、启动规格和设计。在L阶段，不会进行扫描仪组件的建造。在第二阶段，这两台第二代扫描仪将安装在梅奥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，后者于2004年8月安装在当地的一家癌症中心。第一代扫描仪由两个相对但平行的二维传感器阵列组成，它们在水箱中绕着下垂的乳房旋转。每次360度旋转后，阵列也会垂直移动。逆散射，3-D，断层图像计算声速和声衰减。自2004年8月以来，正在采用新的发射和接收阵列。在这些能力的基础上，第二代扫描仪增加了：(1)通过波束阴影以及发射机和接收机阵列之间的相对旋转，提高了逆散射平面内空间分辨率和信噪比；(2)通过垂直方向倾斜阵列，提高了逆散射空间分辨率；以及(3)通过增加商用OEM波束成形器，改善了反射率成像。

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.