[Use of Ensemble tissue harmonic imaging to improve the resolution in ultrasound investigations of the head and neck area]

Abstract

Background: Using ultrasound diagnostic, deeper areas of tissue cannot be examined as easily as superficial areas. Therefore it was necessary to develop a new image processing technique for ultrasound platforms to improve the quality of sonographical resolution in deeper areas. Tissue Harmonic Imaging is a modern technique that uses the non-linear, "harmonic" parts of ultrasound waves. Ensemble Tissue Harmonic Imaging is a new technique that uses a "Wide Band Harmonic Imaging", based on a patented phase-inversion-technique, and improves imaging quality.

Aim: Aim of the study is to show if Ensemble Harmonic Imaging can improve imaging quality even in superficial areas of tissue in comparison to fundamental B-Mode-technique.

Methods: A Sonoline Elegra(R) high-end-scanner with 7.5 MHz linear array was used for this study. Differences of techniques ("fundamental"-sonographic-mode versus Ensemble Tissue Harmonic Imaging(R)-mode) are shown by investigation of six patients with various lesions of the head and neck area.

Conclusion: In all cases there was a gain of resolution by using Ensemble Tissue Harmonic Imaging even in superficial areas. Ensemble Tissue Harmonic Imaging improves the sonographical resolution and reduces the artifacts.