A new 3D-tomographic ultrasound imaging concept for breast cancer and rheumatoid arthritis diagnostics avoiding water bath techniques

Superposition of pulse-echo data (FASC: Full Angle Spatial Compounding) acquired from 360° around an object in a water bath as imaging concept for an Ultrasound Computed Tomography (USCT) add-on system has already shown a great potential in 2D for in-vivo investigations (e.g. breast cancer imaging). However, providing a small number of images for parallel cross-sectional planes with enhanced image quality is not sufficient for diagnostics. Volume datasets (3D) are needed. For this purpose we further developed our USCT add-on system to automatically rotate a motorized array (3D probe) around the object of investigation. Full integration of external motor and ultrasound electronics control in a custom made program allows acquiring 3D radio-frequency (rf) datasets from 360° within an appropriate data acquisition time for in-vivo investigations. With respect to breast cancer imaging this concept also enables imaging of thorax close tissue regions which cannot be achieved by 2D FASC. Furthermore, moldings of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel adapted to respective body parts (e.g. female breast) have been developed as new concept for coupling. These PVA hydrogel moldings have a great potential to replace water bath technique in USCT. The water bath technique is in general assumed to be critical for clinical environments. In this contribution we present FASC volume datasets of a tissue mimicking breast phantom investigated in a water bath as well as with PVA hydrogel moldings used for coupling. Results show a great potential for 3D FASC with a motorized array (3D probe) and for the coupling concept with PVA hydrogel moldings.