Richard Gary Barr MD, PhD, Presenter: Consultant, Siemens AG Consultant, Koninklijke Philips NV Research Grant, Siemens AG Research Grant, SuperSonic Imagine Speakers Bureau, Koninklijke Philips NV Research Grant, Bracco Group Speakers Bureau, Siemens AG Consultant, Toshiba Corporation Research Grant, Esaote SpA

Alex Lomes PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Stockholder, Orcasonix Ltd

Mati Shirizly PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Shareholder, Orcasonix Ltd

Conventional US limitations and artifacts are related to the need for beam forming. O-mode introduces a novel approach that does not require a beam former, provides constant lateral resolution independent on depth of penetration and significantly decreases the shadowing from small pockets of gas allowing for new imaging windows to be utilized. The Doppler effect is evoked artificially by transmitting US signal from a “moving” transducer. Such transmitting scheme creates echo with different RF frequency shifts coming from different scatterers, which are located at the same depth, but at different lateral positions. This method provides exact lateral localization by exchanging the traditional focusing procedure (along line-of-sight) to signal processing of frequency-modulated signals coming from each depth, maintaining constant lateral resolution and improved shadowing performance. This is a pilot study to evaluate O-mode in a clinical setting.

10 patients participated in an IRB approved, HIPPA compliant study to evaluate the possible potential advantages of the O-mode imaging. Patients received a complete abdominal exam on a conventional ultrasound system (Esaote, My Lab Twice, Genoa, IT; Philips IU22, Bothell, Wa, or Siemens S3000, Mountain View, Ca) in addition to the Orcasonix O-mode system. Comparison of the images was performed by visual inspection by a board certified Radiologists with 20 years experience in ultrasound imaging. Images were scored as to depth of penetration, shadowing artifacts, and overall acceptability of image quality.

In all 10 cases O-mode was able to visualize deep structures equally or better than conventional B-mode. In areas of shadowing from ribs or small pockets of gas O-mode was able to visualize structures deep to the bone or gas which were able to be visualized on B-mode.

Preliminary clinical validation of O-mode imaging is promising. Additional post processing is required to improve O-mode image quality. O-mode imaging has several advantages over B-mode imaging including increased deep visualization, marked decreased shadowing and refractive artifacts. Without the need for a beam former smaller lighter ultrasound systems are possible.

O-mode imaging can improve ultrasound imaging by significantly decreasing artifacts seen in B-mode imaging. The lack of a beam former allows for smaller ultrasound systems.

Barr, R, Lomes, A, Shirizly, M, O-mode Ultrasound, A New Novel Technique.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14013564.html