Development and Commissioning of the KIT 3D Ultrasound Computed Tomography System III
by
Seminarraum EG + zoom
IPE
Michael Zapf has recently submitted his PhD thesis and will present his results on 3D ultrasound computer tomography.
Abstract:
This dissertation presents the conception, development, and clinical evaluation of the third-generation three-dimensional ultrasound computed tomography system (3D USCT) for early breast cancer detection. The new setup was designed to address limitations identified in clinical studies of its predecessor, including limited imaging volume, breast-positioning variability, patient motion during acquisition, and workflow inefficiencies. The imaging region was expanded to 20 ×20 ×20 cm3, and all major mechanical, electronic, and procedural subsystems were redesigned to improve robustness, reproducibility, and acquisition speed.
A theoretical framework based on Fourier optics and k-space methods was transferred to the acoustic domain, enabling quantitative evaluation of aperture geometry, spatial bandwidth, resolution, and sampling constraints. These considerations guided the development of a novel PZT piezo-fiber transducer with increased bandwidth, larger opening angle, and homogeneous 3D field characteristics. Semi-random sparse sampling strategies, supported by compressive-sensing principles, preserved imaging performance despite sub-Nyquist sampling densities. Enhanced data-acquisition procedures with higher AScan counts enabled substantial SNR gains in reflectivity reconstructions. To meet acquisition and excitation requirements, a new µTCA-based data-acquisition system and a dedicated USCT ASIC were implemented, significantly improving analog and digital performance.
Studies demonstrate improved illumination homogeneity, approximately five-minute acquisition time per breast, enhanced bandwidth, and increased SNR and dynamic range. Following initial clinical evaluation, 3D USCT III has entered regulatory preparation for a multicenter trial, representing a substantial step toward routine clinical application of volumetric ultrasound tomography for early breast cancer detection.
Andreas Kopmann, Robert Gartmann, Timo Muscheid