Improved Vector Velocity Estimation using Directional Transverse Oscillation

A method for estimating vector velocities using transverse oscillation (TO) combined with directional beamforming is presented. Directional Transverse Oscillation (DTO) is selfcalibrating, which increase the estimation accuracy and finds the lateral oscillation period automatically. A normal focused field is emitted and the received signals are beamformed in the lateral direction transverse to the ultrasound beam. A lateral oscillation is obtained by having a receive apodization waveform with two separate peaks. The IQ data are obtained by making a Hilbert transform of the directional signal, and a modified TO estimator can be used to find both the lateral and axial velocity. The approach is self-calibrating as the lateral oscillation period directly is estimated from the directional signal through a Fourier transform. The approach was implemented on the SARUS scanner using a BK Medical 8820e transducer with a focal point at 105.6 mm (F#=5) for Vector Flow Imaging (VFI). A 6 mm radius tube in a circulating flow rig was scanned and the parabolic volume flow of 112.7 l/h (peak velocity 0.55 m/s) measured by a Danfoss Magnetic flow meter for reference. Velocity estimates for DTO are found for 32 emissions at a 90 degrees beam-to-flow angle at a vessel depth of 30 mm. The standard deviation (SD) drops from 9.14% for TO to 5.4%, when using DTO. The bias is -5.05% and the angle is found within +/- 3.93 degrees. At 70 mm a relative SD of 7% is obtained, the bias is -1.74%, and the angle is found within +/- 2.6 degrees showing a low bias across depths.