Work

Dual-Frequency Subharmonic Ultrasound Contrast Imaging for Non-Invasive Blood Pressure Measurement

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Here we propose an ultrasound contrast-based imaging method that enables non-invasive quantitative assessment of ambient pressure changes inside the body (such as blood pressure). We subject the microbubbles in the contrast agent to two frequencies: A low-frequency (57 kHz) signal that dynamically manipulates the ambient pressure, and a series of high-frequency (4 MHz) pulses for exciting and imaging the bubble response. The imaging pulses exploit the ambient pressure sensitivity of the subharmonic microbubble response, while the low-frequency signal provided an intrinsic calibration for measurement of ambient pressure changes. We tested this approach in an in vitro setup and show that it can visualize and quantify ambient pressure differences with a sensitivity of 0.5 dB/kPa.

Source: Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology

DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2025.01.015

Authors: Sander Spiekhout, Jason Voorneveld, Nico de Jong, Johannes G. Bosch

Institutions: Erasmus MC, Delft University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Ultrasound and Hyperthermia Applications

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,650