Ultrasonic bubble detection and tracking using spatial coherence and motion modeling

Abstract

Limited options exist to improve oxygenation in patients with acute hypoxic respiratory failure. We are developing an intravascular oxygenator catheter capable of delivering a clinically significant amount of O2 directly into the bloodstream. A critical design consideration is minimizing the risk of embolism. We demonstrate the use of ultrafast ultrasound imaging, coherence beamforming, and image processing to quantify bubble formation in a benchtop flow circuit. We found no significant increase in bubble counts throughout 30 minutes of oxygenation using the device.