Color Encoded Speckle Imaging for Micro-Ultrasound

在过去的二十年中，微分辨率超声成像作为一种新的非侵入性工具出现，用于在精细尺度上评估活体组织的结构和功能细节。现在可以使用这种成像工具通过称为彩色血流成像（基于多普勒超声原理）的操作模式来绘制心血管动力学。然而，这种模式对血液循环中的血流动力学提供的见解有限。有必要进行工程创新，以提高微超声血流可视化的质量。在本项目中，将致力于开发彩色编码散斑成像（CESI）作为一种新的微超声心血管成像模式。CESI是一种新的流动可视化算法，它提供了流动轨迹（通过流动散斑运动突出显示）和流动速度（通过基于多普勒的速度颜色编码表示）的双工渲染。在项目期间，将进行CESI微型超声的概念验证实施，并进行流模实验以测试其性能。预计到本项目结束时，CESI作为一种新的微超声血流成像模式实现的可行性将得到确立。这种技术努力将加强加拿大在微超声成像领域的全球领先地位，从而使加拿大在经济上受益。

Micro-resolution ultrasound imaging has emerged in the past two decades as a new non-invasive tool forassessing structural and functional details of living tissues in fine scale. It is nowadays possible to use thisimaging tool to map cardiovascular dynamics through an operating mode known as color flow imaging (basedon Doppler ultrasound principles). However, this mode can provide limited insights on blood flow dynamicsinside the circulation. There is a need for engineering innovations that can enhance the quality of blood flowvisualization in micro-ultrasound.In this project, initial efforts will be dedicated to develop color encoded speckle imaging (CESI) as a newcardiovascular imaging mode for micro-ultrasound. CESI is a new flow visualization algorithm that offersduplex rendering of flow trajectory (highlighted by flow speckle motion) and flow speed (depicted throughDoppler-based velocity color coding). Over the project period, proof-of-concept implementation of CESI formicro-ultrasound will be pursued, and flow phantom experiments will be conducted to test its performance. Itis anticipated that the feasibility of realizing CESI as a new micro-ultrasound flow imaging mode will beestablished by the end of this project. Such technical endeavor will economically benefit Canada bystrengthening the country's position as a global leader in micro-ultrasound imaging.