Handheld Thermoacoustic Scanning System Based on a Linear Array Transducer.

Handheld Thermoacoustic Scanning System Based on a Linear Array Transducer. Ultrason Imaging. 2015 Aug 19; Authors: Ji Z, Ding W, Ye F, Lou C Abstract To receive the information necessary for imaging, traditional microwave-induced thermoacoustic imaging systems (MITISs) use a type of circular-scanning mode using single or arc detectors. However, the use of MITISs for body scanning is complicated by restrictions in space and imaging time. A linear array detector, the most widely used transducer in medical ultrasound imaging systems for body scanning, is a possible alternative to MITISs for scanning biological tissues, such as from the breast or limbs. In this paper, a handheld MITIS, based on a linear array detector and a multiple data acquisition system, is described, and the capacity of the system is explored experimentally. First, the vertical and lateral resolution of the system is discussed. Next, real-time imaging of a moving object, obtained with an image capture rate of 20 frame/s, is described. Finally, a phantom experiment is detailed, investigating the overall imaging capability. The results show that this system achieves rapid scanning with a large field of view. The system has the obvious advantages of being handheld, not using coupled fluids, and achieving real-time imaging with a large field of view, which make this MITIS more suitable for clinical applications. PMID: 26294659 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Ultrasonic Imaging - Category: Radiology Tags: Ultrason Imaging Source Type: research