SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACOUSTIC RADIATION FORCE CREEP-RECOVERY AND SHEAR WAVE PROPAGATION ELASTICITY IMAGING

摘要

A model-independent method for producing a viscoelastic tissue property metric using ultrasound is provided. A mechanical stress, such as an acoustic force, is applied to a tissue during a creep period using an ultrasound system to generate a creep response. Tissue displacement resulting from the applied acoustic force is measured during a recovery period following the creep period. From the tissue displacement measurements, a relative complex modulus is extracted, and a loss tangent is calculated based on extracted complex modulus. Using the calculated loss tangent, viscoelastic tissue property metrics may be calculated.

主权项

1. A method for producing a viscoelastic tissue property metric using an ultrasound system, the steps of the method comprising:
a) applying a mechanical stress to a tissue during a creep period using an ultrasound system, wherein the mechanical stress generates at least a creep response; b) measuring a tissue displacement resulting from the applied mechanical stress during a recovery period that follows the creep period; c) extracting a relative complex modulus value from the measured tissue displacement; d) calculating a loss tangent from the extracted complex modulus; and e) calculating a viscoelastic tissue property metric based on the calculated loss tangent.