Accurate Angle Estimator for High-Frame-Rate 2-D Vector Flow Imaging.
This paper presents a novel approach for estimating 2-D flow angles using a high-frame-rate ultrasound method. The angle estimator features high accuracy and low standard deviation (SD) over the full 360° range. The method is validated on Field II simulations and phantom measurements using the experimental ultrasound scanner SARUS and a flow rig before being tested in vivo. An 8-MHz linear array transducer is used with defocused beam emissions. In the simulations of a spinning disk phantom, a 360° uniform behavior on the angle estimation is observed with a median angle bias of 1.01° and a median angle SD of 1.8°. Similar results are obtained on a straight vessel for both simulations and measurements, where the obtained angle biases are below 1.5° with SDs around 1°. Estimated velocity magnitudes are also kept under 10% bias and 5% relative SD in both simulations and measurements. An in vivo measurement is performed on a carotid bifurcation of a healthy individual. A 3-s acquisition during three heart cycles is captured. A consistent and repetitive vortex is observed in the carotid bulb during systoles.
Carlos Armando
CA
Villagomez Hoyos
Matthias Bo
MB
Stuart
Kristoffer Lindskov
KL
Hansen
Michael Bachmann
MB
Nielsen
Jorgen Arendt
JA
Jensen
D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D014159:Transducers; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*