Possible role of research platforms in lung ultrasound

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In a few years, ultrasound research platforms, also known as open scanners, have become a great tool for facilitating the experimental activities of ultrasound labs. Ideal platforms should be easily programmed to permit visualization of the region of interest, transmission of arbitrary sequences of arbitrary waveforms, acquisition of massive amounts of raw echo-data, and, possibly, real-time implementation of innovative processing methods. Such characteristics may be particularly relevant in lung ultrasound (LUS) applications, where quantitative methods designed around the lung properties are needed. In fact, since standard US- imaging is designed to handle impedance mismatches that are typically much lower than those found in lung tissue, LUS mostly relies on the qualitative interpretation of imaging artefacts. In particular, full control of all parameters influencing the transmit/receive modalities may allow the test of original transmit/receive strategies, while the access to raw-data may permit the off-line test of novel approaches. In this talk, the main characteristics of advanced open scanners will be reviewed, and sample applications not feasible with standard clinical scanners illustrated. Emphasis will then be given to the specific contributions that such platforms can provide to LUS. Phantom and in-vivo results obtained with the ULA-OP research platforms will be presented.In a few years, ultrasound research platforms, also known as open scanners, have become a great tool for facilitating the experimental activities of ultrasound labs. Ideal platforms should be easily programmed to permit visualization of the region of interest, transmission of arbitrary sequences of arbitrary waveforms, acquisition of massive amounts of raw echo-data, and, possibly, real-time implementation of innovative processing methods. Such characteristics may be particularly relevant in lung ultrasound (LUS) applications, where quantitative methods designed around the lung properties are needed. In fact, since standard US- imaging is designed to handle impedance mismatches that are typically much lower than those found in lung tissue, LUS mostly relies on the qualitative interpretation of imaging artefacts. In particular, full control of all parameters influencing the transmit/receive modalities may allow the test of original transmit/receive strategies, while the access to raw-data may permit the of...