2-D Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography With Multi-Sphere-Source External Mechanical Vibration: Preliminary Phantom Results

Abstract

Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) imaging is emerging as a quantitative and non-invasive tissue characterization modality. Shear wave generation using external mechanical vibration (EMV) has received extensive research interest over acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) because of its low cost and potential for portability. In this paper, we propose an EMV concept with multiple spherical sources that can be easily reconfigured in three configurations to induce unique shear wave propagation patterns. We introduce two design embodiments of this concept bench test design for proof of concept and a clinically deployable design. The latter is designed to incorporate size, ergonomics, portability and power consumption considerations and constraints. Experimental validation on elasticity phantoms using both EMV designs demonstrates shear wave generation and elasticity reconstruction comparable in performance to ElastQ, a commercial ARFI-based shear elastography technology from Philips. In addition, the local displacement amplitude induced by EMV is 10 times greater than that induced by ARFI at the same given depth. Finally, the multiple configurations of the presented EMV design would allow exploration of advanced elastography methods such as tissue anisotropic elasticity.