Investigation and optimization of a finite element simulation of transducer array systems for 3D ultrasound computer tomography with respect to electrical impedance characteristics

B. Kohout; J. Pirinen; N. V. Ruiter

doi:10.1117/12.910685

10 April 2012 Investigation and optimization of a finite element simulation of transducer array systems for 3D ultrasound computer tomography with respect to electrical impedance characteristics

B. Kohout, J. Pirinen, N. V. Ruiter

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8320, Medical Imaging 2012: Ultrasonic Imaging, Tomography, and Therapy; 832013 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.910685
Event: SPIE Medical Imaging, 2012, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The established standard screening method to detect breast cancer is X-ray mammography. However X-ray mammography often has low contrast for tumors located within glandular tissue. A new approach is 3D Ultrasound Computer Tomography (USCT), which is expected to detect small tumors at an early stage. This paper describes the development, improvement and the results of Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations of the Transducer Array System (TAS) used in our 3D USCT. The focus of this work is on researching the influence of meshing and material parameters on the electrical impedance curves. Thereafter, these findings are used to optimize the simulation model. The quality of the simulation was evaluated by comparing simulated impedance characteristics with measured data of the real TAS. The resulting FEM simulation model is a powerful tool to analyze and optimize transducer array systems applied for USCT. With this simulation model, the behavior of TAS for different geometry modifications was researched. It provides a means to understand the acoustical performances inside of any ultrasound transducer represented by its electrical impedance characteristic.

Citation Download Citation

B. Kohout, J. Pirinen, and N. V. Ruiter "Investigation and optimization of a finite element simulation of transducer array systems for 3D ultrasound computer tomography with respect to electrical impedance characteristics", Proc. SPIE 8320, Medical Imaging 2012: Ultrasonic Imaging, Tomography, and Therapy, 832013 (10 April 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.910685

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