Accurate Angle Estimator for High-Frame-Rate 2-D Vector Flow Imaging

IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control. 2016 Jun;63(6):842-53. doi: 10.1109/TUFFC.2016.2551689. Epub 2016 Apr 11.

Abstract

This paper presents a novel approach for estimating 2-D flow angles using a high-frame-rate ultrasound method. The angle estimator features high accuracy and low standard deviation (SD) over the full 360° range. The method is validated on Field II simulations and phantom measurements using the experimental ultrasound scanner SARUS and a flow rig before being tested in vivo. An 8-MHz linear array transducer is used with defocused beam emissions. In the simulations of a spinning disk phantom, a 360° uniform behavior on the angle estimation is observed with a median angle bias of 1.01° and a median angle SD of 1.8°. Similar results are obtained on a straight vessel for both simulations and measurements, where the obtained angle biases are below 1.5° with SDs around 1°. Estimated velocity magnitudes are also kept under 10% bias and 5% relative SD in both simulations and measurements. An in vivo measurement is performed on a carotid bifurcation of a healthy individual. A 3-s acquisition during three heart cycles is captured. A consistent and repetitive vortex is observed in the carotid bulb during systoles.

MeSH terms

  • Carotid Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Computer Simulation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Cardiovascular
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Transducers
  • Ultrasonography / methods*