Prenatal hydronephrosis is a common condition that involves the accumulation of urine with consequent dilatation of the collecting system in fetal infants. There are several hydronephrosis classifications, however, all grading systems suffer from reliability issues as they contain subjective criteria. The severity of hydronephrosis impacts treatment and follow up times and can therefore directly influence a patient’s well-being and quality of care. Considering the importance of accurate diagnosis, it is concerning that no accurate, reliable or objective grading system exists. We believe that developing a convolutional neural network (CNN) based diagnostic aid for hydronephrosis will improve physicians’ objectivity, inter-rater reliability and accuracy. Developing CNN based diagnostic aid for ultrasound images has not been done before. Therefore, the current thesis conducted two studies using a database of 4670 renal ultrasound images to investigate two important methodological considerations: ultrasound image preprocessing and model architecture. We first investigated whether image segmentation and textural extraction are beneficial and improve performance when they are applied to CNN input images. Our results showed that neither preprocessing technique improved performance, and therefore might not be required when using CNN for ultrasound image classification. Our search for an optimal architecture resulted in a model with 49% 5-way classification accuracy. Further investigation revealed that images in our database had been mislabelled, and thus impacted model training and testing. Although our current best model is not ready for use as diagnostic aid, it can be used to verify the accuracy of our labels. Overall, these studies have provided insight into developing a diagnostic aid for hydronephrosis. Once our images and their respective labels have been verified, we can further optimize our model architecture by conducting an exhaustive search. We hypothesize that these two changes will significantly improve model performance and bring our diagnostic aid closer to clinical application. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / Prenatal hydronephrosis is a serious condition that affects the kidneys of fetal infants and is graded using renal ultrasound. The severity of hydronephrosis impacts treatment and follow-up times. However, all grading systems suffer from reliability issues. Improving diagnostic reliability is important for patient well-being. We believe that developing a computer-based diagnostic aid is a promising option to do so. We conducted two studies to investigate how ultrasound images should be processed, and how the algorithm that produces the functionality of the aid should be designed. We found that two common recommendations for ultrasound processing did not improve model performance and therefore need not be applied. Our best performing algorithm had a classification accuracy of 49%. However, we found that several images in our database were mislabelled, which impacted accuracy metrics. Once our images and their labels have been verified, we can further optimize our algorithm’s design to improve its accuracy.

No / The cure of polydicyclopentadiene conducted by ring-opening metathesis polymerisation in the presence of a Grubbs catalyst was studied using non-invasive Raman spectroscopy. The spectra of the monomer precursor and polymerised product were fully characterised and all stages of polymerisation monitored. Because of the monomer's high reactivity, the cure process is adaptable to reaction injection moulding and reactive rotational moulding. The viscosity of the dicyclopentadiene undergoes a rapid change at the beginning of the polymerisation process and it is critical that the induction time of the viscosity increase is determined and controlled for successful manufacturing. The results from this work show non-invasive Raman spectroscopic monitoring to be an effective method for monitoring the degree of cure, paving the way for possible implementation of the technique as a method of real-time analysis for control and optimisation during reactive processing. Agreement is shown between Raman measurements and ultrasonic time of flight data acquired during the initial induction period of the curing process.

A laser-based ultrasonic technique using a pulsed laser for stimulating ultrasonic waves in fiber-reinforced composite materials is the subject of investigation. For convenience, the material is chosen to be homogeneous transversely isotropic. The study is strictly limited to the laser power regimes that are suitable for nondestructive evaluation. An elastodynamic methodology is presented based on integral formulation in order to develop a representation for the dynamic responses in terms of the characteristics of the source that originated the motion. This requires a computation of elastodynamic Green function which represents the displacement field from the idealized synthetic sources localized precisely in both space and time. A two-dimensional numerical analysis utilizing a finite difference method for computation of the Green function in a finite plate is developed which provides the basis for quantitative nondestructive evaluation of fiber reinforced composite materials. Numerical results are presented for the surface displacement at the epicenter. Prediction based on numerical simulations are compared with experimental results. / Ph. D.

No / No / Debridement is a crucial component of wound management. Traditionally, several types of wound debridement techniques have been used in clinical practice such as autolytic, enzymatic, biodebridement, mechanical, conservative sharp and surgical. Various factors determine the method of choice for debridement for a particular wound such as suitability to the patient, the type of wound, its anatomical location and the extent of debridement required. Recently developed products are beginning to challenge traditional techniques that are currently used in wound bed preparation. The purpose of this review was to critically evaluate the current evidence behind the use of these newer techniques in clinical practice. There is some evidence to suggest that low frequency ultrasound therapy may improve healing rates in patients with venous ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. Hydrosurgery debridement is quick and precise, but the current evidence is limited and further studies are underway. Debridement using a monofilament polyester fibre pad and plasma-mediated bipolar radiofrequency ablation are both very new techniques. The initial evidence is limited, and further studies are warranted to confirm their role in management of chronic wounds.

The purpose of this study was to report the scintigraphic and sonographic appearance of the thyroid gland in clinically normal horses so these modalities could be used to assess the thyroid gland in this species. Horses were divided into two age groups. Group A consisted of 8 horses between 3 and 10 years of age and Group B of 7 horses between 11 and 20 years of age. Total T4 concentrations were within the laboratory reference interval. Thyroid to salivary (T/S) ratio, percent dose uptake of pertechnetate and thyroid lobe volume were calculated. Echogenicity of thyroid lobes and presence of nodules were documented. The two groups were compared using appropriate parametric and nonparametic tests. Total T4 concentrations were significantly lower in the older group. Sixty minute mean ± standard deviation (SD) T/S ratios for older versus younger horses were 5.8 ± 3.0 and 5.3 ± 2.2, respectively. Sixty minute median and interquartile ranges for percent dose uptake of pertechnetate for older versus younger horses were 3.64% (1.5 to 3.98%) and 2.55% (2.33 to 2.90%), respectively. Mean ± SD thyroid lobe volumes for older versus younger horses were 18.93 ± 5.16 cm3 and 13.55 ± 3.56 cm3, respectively. Most thyroid lobes were hyper or isoechoic to the sternocephalicus muscle. Prevalence of thyroid nodules did not differ between groups. Older horses had trends for greater T/S ratios, percent dose uptakes and thyroid lobe volumes but had lower total T4 concentrations. Further studies using scintigraphy and ultrasound in horses with thyroid disease are planned. / Master of Science

Image-guided surgeries employ advanced imaging and computing technologies to assist the surgeon when direct visualization is inadequate or unavailable. As modern surgeries continue to move toward minimally invasive procedures, tracked ultrasound (US), an emerging technology that uniquely combines US imaging and position tracking, has been increasingly used for intraoperative guidance in surgical interventions. The intrinsic accuracy of a tracked US system is primarily determined by a unique procedure called ``probe calibration", where a spatial registration between the coordinate systems of the transducer (provided by a tracking device affixed to the probe) and the US image plane must be established prior to imaging. Inaccurate system calibration causes misalignments between the US image and the surgical end-effectors, which may directly contribute to treatment failure. The probe calibration quality is further reduced by the "elevation beamwidth" or "slice thickness", a unique feature of the ultrasound beam pattern that gives rise to localization errors and imaging uncertainties. In this thesis, we aim to provide an automated, pure-computation-based, intraoperative calibration solution that also incorporates the slice thickness to improve the calibration accuracy, precision and reliability. The following contributions have been made during the course of this research. First, we have designed and developed an automated, freehand US calibration system with instant feedback on its calibration accuracy. The system was able to consistently achieve submillimeter accuracy with real-time performance. Furthermore, we have developed a novel beamwidth-weighted calibration framework (USB-FW) that incorporates US slice thickness to improve the estimation of calibration parameters. The new framework provides an effective means of quality control for calibration results. Extensive phantom validation demonstrated that USB-FW introduces statistically significant reduction (p = 0.001) in the calibration errors and produces calibration outcomes that are less variable than a conventional, non-beamwidth-weighted calibration. Finally, we were the first to introduce an automated, intraoperative Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) calibration technology for needle guidance in prostate brachytherapy. Our tests with multiple commercial TRUS scanners and brachytherapy stepper systems demonstrated that the proposed method is practical in use and can achieve high calibration accuracy, precision and robustness. / Thesis (Ph.D, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2012-10-22 16:18:55.439

Ultrasound imaging is a rapid and noninvasive tool ideal for the imaging of soft tissue infections and is associated with a change of clinician management plans in 50% of cases. We developed a realistic skin abscess diagnostic and therapeutic training model using fresh frozen cadavers and common, affordable materials. Details for construction of the model and suggested variations are presented. This cadaver-based abscess model produces high-quality sonographic images with internal echogenicity similar to a true clinical abscess, and is ideal for teaching sonographic diagnostic skills in addition to the technical skills of incision and drainage or needle aspiration.

Since early 1960s, ultrasound has become one of the most widely used medical imaging device as a diagnostic tool or an image guider for surgical intervention because of its high portability, non-ionization, non-invasiveness and low cost. Although continuous improvements in commercial equipments have been underway for many years, almost all systems are developed with pulse-echo geometry. In this research, a newly invented ultrasound sensor array was incorporated into the developments of a projection imaging system. Three C-scan prototypes, which included prototypes #1, #2 and an ultrasound mammography system, were constructed. Systematic and Evaluative studies included ultrasound CT, 3-D ultrasound, and multi-modality investigations were also performed. Furthermore, a new analytical method to model ultrasound forward scattering distribution (FSD) was developed by employing a specific annular apparatus. After applying this method, the scattering-corrected C-scan images revealed more detail structures as compared to unprocessed images. This new analytical modelling approach is believed to be effective for most imaging systems operating in projection geometry. In summary, while awaiting additional clinical validation, the C-scan ultrasound prototypes with the state-of-the-art PE-CMOS sensor arrays can provide veritable value and holds real and imminent promise in medical diagnostic imaging. Potential future uses of C-scan ultrasound include but not limit to computerized tomography, biopsy guidance, therapeutic device placing, foreign object detection, pediatric imaging, breast imaging, prostate imaging, human extremities imaging and live animal imaging. With continuous research and development, we believe that C-scan ultrasound has the potential to make a significant impact in the field of medical ultrasound imaging. / Ph. D.

Focused ultrasound (FUS) is an emerging technology, and it plays an essential role in clinical and contactless acoustic energy transfer applications. These applications have critical criteria for the acoustic pressure level, the creation of complex pressure patterns, spatial management of the complicated acoustic field, and the degree of nonlinear waveform distortion at the focal areas, which have not been met to date. This dissertation focuses on introducing experimentally validated novel numerical approaches, optimization algorithms, and experimental techniques to fill existing knowledge gaps and enhance the functionality of holographic acoustic lenses (HALs) with an emphasis on applications related to biomedical-focused ultrasound and ultrasonic energy transfer. This dissertation also aims to investigate the dynamics of nonlinear acoustic beam shaping in engineered HALs. First, We will introduce 3D-printed metallic acoustic holographic mirrors for precise spatial manipulation of reflected ultrasonic waves. Optimization algorithms and experimental validations are presented for applications like contactless acoustic energy transfer. Furthermore, a portion of the present work focuses on designing holographic lenses in strongly heterogeneous media for ultrasound focusing and skull aberration compensation in transcranial-focused ultrasound. To this end, we collaborated with the Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics Department as well as Fralin Biomedical Research Institute to implement acoustic lenses in transcranial neuromodulation, targeting to improve the quality of life for patients with brain disease by minimizing the treatment time and optimizing the ultrasonic energy into the region of interest. We will also delve into the nonlinear regime for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) applications, this study is structured under three objectives: (1) establishing nonlinear acoustic-elastodynamics models to represent the dynamics of holographic lenses under low- to high-intensity acoustic fields; (2) validating and leveraging the resulting models for high-fidelity lens designs used in generating specified nonlinear ultrasonic fields of complex spatial distribution; (3) exploiting new physical phenomena in acoustic holography. The performed research in this dissertation yields experimentally proven mathematical frameworks for extending the functionality of holographic lenses, especially in transcranial-focused ultrasound and nonlinear wavefront shaping, advancing knowledge in the burgeoning field of the inverse issue of nonlinear acoustics, which has remained underdeveloped for many years. / Doctor of Philosophy / Ultrasonic waves are sound waves that have frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing. The versatility and non-invasive nature of ultrasonic waves make them a valuable tool in numerous scientific, medical, and industrial applications. In healthcare, ultrasonic waves are employed in diagnostic imaging techniques, such as ultrasound scans, to create images of internal body structures. Ultrasonic waves are also used for non-destructive testing (NDT) of materials, detecting flaws or cracks within structures without causing any damage. Furthermore, this technology finds applications in the field of material science for the manipulation of particles and in biomedical research for drug delivery systems. Focused ultrasound sound is an emerging non-invasive therapeutic modality that uses focused ultrasound waves to target tissue within the body without damaging the surrounding tissue. This technology allows for precise delivery of ultrasound energy to a specific region, where it can induce various desired therapeutic effects depending on the targeting location and parameters. Therapeutic focused ultrasound has the advantage of being non-invasive, reducing the risks and recovery time associated with traditional surgery. It can be precisely controlled and monitored in real-time with imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI, ensuring the targeted treatment of pathological tissues while sparing healthy ones. Applications of therapeutic are broad and include tumor ablation, facilitation of drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier, relief of chronic pain, and treatment of essential tremor and other neurological disorders. The domain of therapeutic focused ultrasound is continually advancing, driven by research that seeks to extend its applications. Recent developments in acoustic engineering and 3D printing have led to the creation of acoustic holograms, or holographic acoustic lenses, which allow for more refined control over the spatial structure of the acoustic field. These technological advancements hold the promise of enhancing FUS by improving the accuracy of acoustic field localization and providing a more cost-effective solution compared to conventional systems like phased array transducers. However, the accuracy and applicability of existing models and techniques are constrained by assumptions, including the uniformity of the propagation medium and the linearity of the acoustic field, which limits the functionality and restricts the potential applications of acoustic holograms. In this dissertation, we present novel numerical techniques, algorithms, and proof-of-concept experiments to fill those knowledge gaps and expand the functionality of acoustic holograms in crucial applications.

Evolution of vulnerable carotid plaques are crucial reason for cerebral ischemic strokes and identifying them in the early stage can become very important in avoiding the risk of stroke. In order to improve the identification and quantification accuracy of infancy plaques better visualization techniques are needed. Improving the visualization and quantification of neovascularization in carotid plaque using contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging still remains a challenging task. In this thesis work, three optimization techniques are proposed, which showed an improvement in the sensitivity of contrast agents when compared to the conventional clinical settings and insonation strategies. They are as follows:1) Insonation at harmonic specific (2nd harmonic) resonance frequency instead of resonance frequency based on maximum energy absorption provides enhanced nonlinear contribution.2) At high frequency ultrasound imaging, shorter pulse length will provide improved harmonic signal content when compared to longer pulse lengths. Applying this concept to multi- pulse sequencing (Pulse Inversion and Cadence contrast pulse sequencing) resulted in increased magnitude of the remaining harmonic signal after pulse summations.3) Peak negative pressure optimization of Pulse Inversion and Cadence contrast pulse sequencing was showed to further enhance the nonlinear content of the backscattered signal from contrast microbubbles without increasing the safety limits, defined by the mechanical index.The results presented in this thesis are based on computational modeling (Bubblesim software) and as a future continuation we plan to verify the simulation results with vitro studies.