Displacement Estimators for Real-Time Ultrasonic Strain and Blood Flow Imaging with Improved Spatial Resolution

Ultrasonic strain and blood flow imaging have great potential to improve early tumor detection. Both methods share the same task of estimating echo signal displacements. To be able to resolve tissue stiffness and vascularity of tumors while still small in size, spatial resolution must be improved. In clinical practice ultrasonic real-time imaging is vital. In this paper we evaluate the performance of several displacement estimators with real-time capability and compare these with results from standard estimators when using echo signals that are typically available with a commercial ultrasound scanner set to yield the highest spatial resolution. Results are from simulations and tissue mimicking phantom experiments using a Voluson 730 scanner (GE Medical Systems Kretztechnik) equipped with a digital research interface and enabling the export of beam-formed radiofrequency (RF) echo data