Department of Creative IT Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea.
Sci Rep. 2020 Apr 16;10(1):6544. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-63529-z.
Single-element transducer based ultrasound (US) imaging offers a compact and affordable solution for high-frequency preclinical and clinical imaging because of its low cost, low complexity, and high spatial resolution compared to array-based US imaging. To achieve B-mode imaging, conventional approaches adapt mechanical linear or sector scanning methods. However, due to its low scanning speed, mechanical linear scanning cannot achieve acceptable temporal resolution for real-time imaging, and the sector scanning method requires specialized low-load transducers that are small and lightweight. Here, we present a novel single-element US imaging system based on an acoustic mirror scanning method. Instead of physically moving the US transducer, the acoustic path is quickly steered by a water-proofed microelectromechanical (MEMS) scanner, achieving real-time imaging. Taking advantage of the low-cost and compact MEMS scanner, we implemented both a tabletop system for in vivo small animal imaging and a handheld system for in vivo human imaging. Notably, in combination with mechanical raster scanning, we could acquire the volumetric US images in live animals. This versatile US imaging system can be potentially used for various preclinical and clinical applications, including echocardiography, ophthalmic imaging, and ultrasound-guided catheterization.
基于单元素换能器的超声（US）成像因其低成本、低复杂度和高空间分辨率，与基于阵列的 US 成像相比，为高频临床前和临床成像提供了一种紧凑且经济实惠的解决方案。为了实现 B 模式成像，传统方法采用机械线性或扇形扫描方法。然而，由于其扫描速度低，机械线性扫描无法实现实时成像的可接受的时间分辨率，而扇形扫描方法需要专门的小尺寸、轻重量的低负载换能器。在这里，我们提出了一种基于声反射镜扫描方法的新型单元素 US 成像系统。该系统不通过物理移动 US 换能器，而是通过防水微机电系统（MEMS）扫描仪快速引导声路，实现实时成像。利用低成本、紧凑的 MEMS 扫描仪，我们分别实现了用于小动物体内成像的台式系统和用于人体体内成像的手持式系统。值得注意的是，结合机械光栅扫描，我们可以在活体动物中获取体积 US 图像。这种多功能 US 成像系统可潜在用于各种临床前和临床应用，包括超声心动图、眼科成像和超声引导下的导管插入术。
