Evaluating Alternatives for Solving the Inverse Problem in Quantitative Time-of-Flight Ultrasound Tomography in Pulse-Echo Mode

• Grant number: 23/15074-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: April 08, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Sergio Shiguemi Furuie
• Grantee: Roberto Costa Ceccato
• Supervisor: Jennifer Lynn Mueller
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Colorado State University, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 21/13997-0 - Ultrasound tomographic reconstruction using sonothrombolysis hardware, BP.DD

Abstract

This research proposal presents a supplementary facet of the overarching PhD thesis theme,"Ultrasound Tomographic Reconstruction Using Sonothrombolysis Hardware". The central aimof this project is to enable quantitative sound speed reconstruction tomographic images employinga Sonothrombolysis Hardware. This specialized equipment, designed to induce thrombus rupturethrough ultrasound-induced microbubble cavitation, has been a subject of study and developmentwithin our research group. The acquisition of Sound Speed (SoS) distribution enables the correction of aberrations and enhancement of high-intensity ultrasound focusing. Just as in mostmedical image reconstructions, our research approach necessitates solving inverse problems, ashighlighted by previous works. Inverse problems involve creating mathematical models that describe the connection between observed measurements and the obscured intrinsic properties of the object under investigation. These models serve as the foundation for developing algorithms and optimization techniques to determine the most probable solutions, while considering relevantconstraints and available information, a crucial aspect in our research endeavors. Notably, recentadvancements in mathematical techniques for solving inverse problems have concentrated expertise in specialized centers. In this context, the proposed six-month internship, ideally commencing in April 2024, under the guidance of Prof. Jennifer L. Mueller at Colorado State University's Department of Mathematics and Biomedical Engineering, USA, aims to foster better understanding of inverse problems theory and application.