Ultrasonic 2D Imaging of the Microcirculation

Imaging the microcirculation with any methodology has proven difficult and hazardous to the patient's health. Radiographic means are perhaps the state-of-the-art today and, unfortunately, have been for the past several decades since their inception. Popular, "high-tech" means of noninvasive body imaging, such as magnetic resonance (MRI), ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT), all exhibit technical hurdles which have historically made it inconceivable to image the characteristic slow motions and small volumes of the microcirculation. Our recent innovation in medical ultrasound has made it possible to detect microcirculatory blood flow; the medical ultra sound injects a special contrast agent and analyzes a previously ignored component of the backscattered echo. In this project, it is intended to extend this Doppler and one-dimensional imaging technique to two-dimensional imaging. A short term feasibility study will modify and test a commercial duplex ultrasonic imaging system on in vivo animal model. The modifications will involve an external "plug-in" module to avoid damage to the imager and to expedite the animal experiments. This innovation will revolutionize many areas of medical diagnosis. These areas will range from retinal blood flow imaging to characterization of diabetic micropathy to tumor detection and assessment without the introduction of hazardous substances or radiations.