3-D Ultrasound Imaging Using Helicoid Array Transducers

IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control. 2021 Mar;68(3):697-706. doi: 10.1109/TUFFC.2020.3022616. Epub 2021 Feb 25.

Abstract

Real-time 3-D intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) can enable faster imaging of surfaces orthogonal to the transducer, such as the pulmonary vein (PV) antra and cardiac valve annuli. However, the requirement for a 2-D grid of individually wired elements makes a traditional matrix array challenging to implement within an intravenous catheter. Helicoid array transducers are linear array transducers twisted about their long axis, allowing imaging of different elevation slices using sub-apertures. In this work, we examined the 3-D imaging characteristics of helicoid array transducers through simulations using Field II software and experimental measurements. We report results for varying transducer parameters, such as twist rate and sub-aperture size. We also discuss design considerations for these imaging parameters as they pertain to volumetric imaging of the heart.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Equipment Design
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional*
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Transducers*
  • Ultrasonography