Ultrasound is routinely used for medical diagnosis and treatment in the current medical practice thanks to its safety (non-invasive and radiation-free attributes), real-time imaging capability, cost-effectiveness, and ability to achieve high spatial resolution in deep tissues. Nevertheless, it is not without limitations, including a restricted field-of-view and a considerable reliance on operator expertise.
Our team is currently engaged in the development of a large-aperture ultrasound tomography system. We aim to deliver high-resolution whole-volume imaging of human organs and body structures in a non-invasive manner, offering significant potential for advancing medical imaging technology.
Large-aperture tomography necessitates a substantial number of channel counts and sequential transmissions/ receptions, leading to a compromise in temporal resolution–a primary advantage of ultrasound imaging. To preserve the temporal resolution for ultrasound computed tomography, our focus is on optimizing sensor array geometry and imaging sequences specific to each application through rigorous acoustic-field simulations. We are also deeply interested in designing and implementing high-performance parallel computing algorithms to achieve real-time or video-rate volume imaging capabilities.
In addition to visualizing morphological information, ultrasound is capable of providing valuable functional insights such as heartbeat patterns, blood flow dynamics, and tissue elasticity. Our focus lies in investigating ultrafast Doppler imaging technology, utilizing plane wave ultrasound with acquisition rates reaching several kilohertz. This cutting-edge methodology enables the detection of fine blood flow information previously unobservable through conventional imaging techniques.
Furthermore, we are exploring the integration of multi-modal imaging techniques into ultrasound platforms. One notable example is photoacoustic imaging, which offers complementary functional information such as blood oxygen saturation and total hemoglobin concentration. These parameters are derived from the inherent optical absorption contrast within biological tissues, enhancing our diagnostic capabilities.
Ultrasound can be precisely focused on a specific focal spot inside the body to deliver targeted, non-invasive, and radiation-free stimulation and therapy. Our research endeavors are directed towards the development of advanced focused ultrasound techniques coupled with real-time monitoring using ultrasound imaging. This comprehensive approach encompasses a wide range of applications, including but not limited to cancer tissue treatment, blood-brain barrier opening, and neuromodulation.
Biomedical Ultrasound Laboratory
Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
Contact Eunyeong Park, PhD (ey.park@kaist.ac.kr)
Tel +82-42-350-4321