Extending the Capability of Linear Array Ultrasound Probe to Concave Array Using Low-Cost Acoustic Lens for High Frame Rate Focused Imaging

Abstract

In the current scenario medical practitioners use different types of transducer probes for imaging organs at different depths and with varying field of view. Normally linear arrays are used for near-field imaging while convex probes are used for far-field imaging. In both the cases, focusing is achieved through electronics delays, which will reduce the frame rate to maximum of 50 fps. In this work, an approach towards a low-cost setup using gel based acoustic lens for converting a linear array transducer probe with plane wave transmission to a concave array to induce focused ultrasound (US) B-Mode imaging is attempted. Results from Simulation, in vitro experiments with pin phantoms and in vivo experiments with human carotid showed promising results. The experimental results yielded an improvement in the lateral and axial resolution of 36.67 % and 28.57 % respectively which were pre-validated using simulation results yielding similar outcomes of 47.50 % lateral and 33.33 % axial resolution.