Assisted-freehand ultrasound elasticity imaging.
Good-quality elasticity imaging requires highly controlled compressions of the breast, which are often challenging to obtain with freehand, even by an experienced radiologist. This paper presents assisted-freehand ultrasound (AFUSON): a fusion of freehand and automated ultrasound systems designed to assisted elasticity imaging acquisition while remaining as flexible as freehand. In the form of a hand-held device, this semi-automatic solution delivers both increased acquisition precision and control. Compared with freehand acquisitions, it reduces out-of-plane motion decorrelation by one-half and lateral motion by one-third, increases within-scan repeatability by 50%, and does so across operators.
Kadour
Michael J
MJ
Wolfson Medical Vision Laboratory, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. mikekadour@hotmail.com
Noble
J Alison
JA
D000465:Algorithms; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001331:Automation; D054459:Elasticity Imaging Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D009038:Motion; D012107:Research Design; D014159:Transducers; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*