Biomedical Imaging with the SRI Ultrasonic Camera

Abstract

Researchers at SRI have developed a real-time ultrasonic imaging system for the visualization of anatomical structures in an orthographic projection rather than the more common B-scan presentation. This system produces high resolution images of a 15-cm × 15-cm field by employing pulsed/range- gated operation and a 192-element linear array of piezoelectric detectors. The system’s high sensitivity (10⁻¹¹W/cm2) permits imaging through the abdomen of adult humans with incident energies well below any known toxic level. Both transmission and reflection imaging are provided. Images are displayed on a television monitor and may be recorded on video tape.

Results of in vitro and in vivo experimentation are presented. In vitro studies have been made of both normal and abnormal excised organs such as the spleen, uterus, liver, and kidney. In vivo studies have resulted in preclinical images of various anatomical structures and appendages of the human adult. These studies indicate the diagnostic potential of this instrument.

This work was supported in part by Public Health Service Grant GM18780.