Accuracy evaluation in ultrasonic-Doppler-based measurement of small vibrations for acoustical diagnosis of the aortic wall

Abstract

To diagnose atherosclerosis based on the acoustic characteristics of the aortic wall, it is necessary to detect vibration signals from various parts of the aortic wall near the heart. It is, however, difficult to obtain such small vibrations using previously proposed ultrasonic diagnostic methods or systems because the small vibrations are superimposed on the motion with large amplitude due to the heartbeat. The authors developed a new method for overcoming this problem and accurately measuring small vibrations of the aortic wall using ultrasound. The Letter describes the accuracy of evaluation using this new method by simulation experiments using a system which simulates small vibrations of the aortic wall near the heart.