PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging (3D-US) is an essential clinical tool for visualizing, navigating, and
investigating patient anatomy and pathologies in real time in 3D. Owing to its moderate cost and lack of ionizing
radiation, 3D-US plays an important role in many clinical applications for diagnosis and intervention. Despite the
significant clinical value and potential, 3D-US is not a widely accessible and capable technology with its current
implementations: existing 3D-US solutions are challenged by many limitations such as low imaging speed, low
functionality, bulky devices that are inconvenient to use, and a high cost of designated equipment. For decades,
there has been a long-standing quest for developing an accessible, functional, and user-friendly 3D-US
technology. In this proposal, we will develop a new 3D-US solution (called FASTER) that uses a novel, fast-tilting
microfabricated acoustic reflector to achieve high-speed and high-functionality 3D-US imaging. The acoustic
reflector is water-immersible and enclosed in a clip-on device that is compact, lightweight, and low-cost. It can
be easily attached to and removed from different types of ultrasound transducers to turn a conventional 2D
ultrasound system into 3D. Unlike conventional 3D-US technologies (e.g., wobbler transducers and 2D matrix
arrays), FASTER does not require the procurement of additional ultrasound transducers for different applications.
Also, FASTER achieves a much higher imaging volume rate (up to 1000 Hz) than conventional 3D-US
technologies. FASTER is compatible with most ultrasound systems on the market ranging from premium
scanners to portable and handheld devices. In this proposal, we will conduct basic technology development
research and carry out preliminary clinical studies to build a solid technical foundation for the FASTER 3D-US
technology. In Aim 1 we will focus on developing the Phase-1 FASTER device that uses a double-axis reflector
for extended range of imaging volume rate and field-of-view (FOV). We will also develop Phase-1 FASTER into
a stand-alone device that does not need external equipment and communicates wirelessly with the ultrasound
system. Aim 2 will focus on developing advanced imaging modes for FASTER, including 3D blood flow imaging
(3D-BFI) and 3D shear wave elastography (3D-SWE). Pilot clinical studies will be conducted for both Aims 1 and
2 to facilitate the development and optimization of the FASTER device and imaging sequences. In Aim 3 we will
conduct a clinical study to evaluate the performance of FASTER 3D-US in characterizing suspicious axillary
lymph nodes (ALNs) for breast cancer patients undergoing clinically indicated biopsy of ALN. We will also
evaluate the performance of FASTER in localizing clipped ALNs from patients undergoing neoadjuvant
chemotherapy. The study aims will be carried out by a team of experts in ultrasound imaging, micro sensors and
systems, medical device design, and breast cancer from the campuses of University of Illinois Urbana-
Champaign, Texas A&M University, and Mayo Clinic.
