Implementation of acoustic lens technology for Super-resolution Ultrasound Real-time microvascular Imaging using Erythrocytes - iSURElens

ongoing

The iSURELens Proof-of-Concept project will develop an ultrasound imaging system capable of visualizing the micro-vasculature of the entire human kidney in a clinical environment. Such ultrasound images are highly desired for providing early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer and diabetes using a non-invasive and cost-effective imaging modality. The proposed imaging system comprises a probe, lens and beamformer based on the methods developed in the SURE ERC synergy grant project for Super-resolution Ultrasound Real-time imaging using Erythrocytes (SURE) and is already compatible with a clinical scanner. Current high-resolution ultrasound probes for fast 3D imaging can only image a limited volume in front of the probe, which limits their clinical value. With the envisioned acoustic lens technology, the probe will have a field-of-view of 50 degree, which generates an imaging volume encompassing a full human kidney. In combination with the SURE method, such ultrasound system will enable to visualize, in just a few seconds, the microvascular structures down to 28 micrometers in the whole human organ. The developed system will be tested in a clinical setting to demonstrate its innovation potential. This will form the basis for either a potential spin-off company or a license agreement with a commercial ultrasound company.