ENDRA Life Sciences Inc.
THERMOACOUSTIC IMAGING METHODS AND SYSTEMS UTILIZING PARALLEL PHASED ARRAY TRANSMISSION ELEMENTS

Abstract:

A method for providing an image of a subject by utilizing an array of transmission elements in a thermoacoustic imaging apparatus. The method includes providing an ultrasound image of the subject, determining a body anatomy from the ultrasound image, matching the body anatomy with at least one body model of a plurality of body models, utilizing shaped illumination fields from the at least one body model to adjust the parameters of a plurality of radio-frequency applicator elements upon the subject that will optimize the energy delivery and uniformity of illumination of a thermoacoustic stimulus in a region of interest (ROI), while also minimizing the thermoacoustic stimulus in other regions which could generate unwanted thermoacoustic artifacts that could interfere with the thermoacoustic signal from the ROI, wherein the radio-frequency applicator elements operate with independent, adjustable parameters, and utilizing the radio-frequency applicator elements to perform a thermoacoustic measurement of the subject.