An Automated ALARA Method for Ultrasound: An Obstetric Ultrasound Feasibility Study.

摘要: OBJECTIVES Ultrasound users are advised to observe the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle, but studies have shown that most do not monitor acoustic output metrics. We developed an adaptive ultrasound method could suggest levels based on real-time image quality feedback using lag-one coherence (LOC). METHODS Lag-one a function of mechanical index (MI) was assessed in 35 healthy volunteers their second trimester pregnancy. While imaging placenta or fetal abdomen, system swept through 16 MI values ranging from 0.15 1.20. The LOC-versus-MI data were fit with sigmoid curve, and selected point at which reached 98% its maximum. RESULTS In this study, between 0.35 1.03, depending window. Compared default 0.8, pilot acquisitions suggested lower 80% time. contrast, contrast-to-noise ratio, generalized LOC all followed sigmoidal trends increasing MI. R2 statistically significantly greater for than other metrics (P < .017). CONCLUSIONS These results maximum can be achieved US Food Drug Administration limits many cases, automated tool used real time find specific conditions. Our support feasibility automated, LOC-based implementation principle obstetric ultrasound.