Recent progress of ultrasound elasticity imaging technology

Previously, we proposed a method for elasticity images, which is suited to clinical use, since it can yield strain distribution with high-speed processing, high accuracy, a wide dynamic range and robustness for lateral motion induced by freehand compression. In order to verify the feasibility of our method, we recently architected a system for clinical use in which our algorithm is installed, using a commercial ultrasound scanner operating at 7.5 MHz linear type for breast and transrectal type for prostate. In this system, the echo signals are captured in real time, more than 25 fps, while the probe compresses or relaxes the body through freehand operation, and the strain images are superimposed on B-mode images with a translucent color scale. The clinical evaluation of this system was performed on breast tissue from over 20 patients. Results of these clinical assessments using a developed system demonstrated the high potential of the tissue elasticity image for breast examination, especially for the detection of carcinoma.