Ultrasound in the (bio)medical engineering

The physics of waves and wave propagation are the starting point of this imaging course. Starting with the wave equation, several models for wave propagation will be discussed for elastic and visco-elastic tissue. Solutions for this equation will be shown for point source and expanded towards arbitrary apertures. The physics of reflection, scattering, refraction and diffraction will be discussed as well as absorption and it’s for in vivo applications. Techniques to improve imaging, such as array technology, focusing, and advanced beamforming will be discussed as well as the step from continuous to pulsed ultrasound. Next, an extensive overview of medical applications and images will be given, including all the pros and cons of ultrasound and possible artefacts. The physics and design of ultrasound transducer will be explained as well as recent developments in this field. The extension from 2-D to 3-D ultrasound and new plane wave (ultrafast) imaging technology will be discussed. Next, we will explain the presence of speckle and speckle models and statistics, as well as post-processing techniques to reduce speckle, including tomography. The basic principles of Doppler and required signal analysis will be treated for continuous wave, pulsed wave and power Doppler. Next, more recent techniques such as speckle tracking, strain imaging and (shear wave) elastography are introduced. The photoacoustic effect and photoacoustic imaging will be shown, from concept to application. An overview of biological safety and the use of ultrasound in treatment will be given. Finally, a series of guest lectures will be given on the following topics: non-linear wave propagation and harmonic imaging, US contrast agents and contrast-enhanced ultrasound.

After passing this course, the student has knowledge of, and insight in

1. Understands the physics of acoustics, pressure fields, reflection and diffractions and being able to analyze pressure fields using mathematical/physical models.
2. Has knowledge on how to use ultrasound, beamforming and transducer designs to image the human body, as well as to understand techniques to construct images and improve resolution and image quality, including focusing, steering and advanced beamforming.
3. Has knowledge on the applications of ultrasound in the human body as well as the pros and cons of ultrasound imaging in general and for said applications.
4. Has knowledge on basic techniques to perform function imaging and quantitative information on blood flow (Doppler, vector velocity imaging), tissue motion (strain imaging), and the elastic properties of tissue (elastography).
5. Shows knowledge in the physical concepts and insight in the design (criteria) of (for) ultrasound and photoacoustic transducers and systems.
6. Understands the concepts and governing physical equations of advanced beamforming, speckle characteristics & speckle reduction, speed-of-sound measurements, and ultrasound tomographic approaches
7. Shows knowledge and insight in the concepts of non-linear imaging techniques, including non-linear wave propagation and harmonic imaging, as well as contrast agents and contrast-enhanced imaging.
8. Understands and has insight in advanced functional imaging techniques vector velocity imaging, contrast-enhanced US, photoacoustics, non-linear US imaging, and their applications.
9. Show knowledge and understanding in issues regarding biological safety and treatment.

Written online exam

• Excersises & answers
• Lecture Notes
• MATLAB Simulink Matlab scripts for simulation and image analysis

Lectures, Guided Self-study