Subharmonic imaging with microbubble contrast agents: initial results

Ultrason Imaging. 1999 Apr;21(2):79-94. doi: 10.1177/016173469902100201.

Abstract

The subharmonic emission from insonified contrast microbubbles was used to create a new imaging modality called Subharmonic Imaging. The subharmonic response of contrast microbubbles to ultrasound pulses was first investigated for determining adequate acoustic transmit parameters. Subharmonic A-lines and gray scale images were then obtained using a laboratory pulse-echo system in vitro and a modified ultrasound scanner in vivo. Excellent suppression of all backscattered signals other than from contrast microbubbles was achieved for subharmonic A-lines in vitro while further optimization is required for in vivo gray scale subharmonic images.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Flow Velocity
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage*
  • Dogs
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Kidney / blood supply
  • Kidney / diagnostic imaging*
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Renal Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Renal Veins / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Contrast Media