Essentials of Ultrasound Imaging Curriculum

Available First Half 2024

Thomas. L. Szabo, Ph.D, Boston University
Peter Kaczkowski, Ph.D, Verasonics

Overview

In the Essentials of Ultrasound Imaging curriculum, we offer a fast-track introduction to the science, physics, and technology of ultrasound imaging systems in ten modules. The presentation of the material is unique in two revolutionary ways:

First, principles are revealed by new interactive software simulators which allow students to engage with the concepts with minimal mathematical background. At the same time, the simulators are powerful enough to allow in-depth exploration of the material supplemented with the equations, such as those available in Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging: Inside Out, second edition, by T. L. Szabo. Most of the simulators provide quantitative outputs so they can serve as virtual laboratories for homework problems. While the original simulators were conceived as MATLAB programs, they have been compiled for use in either Windows or Mac OS computers. Knowledge of MATLAB scientific programming language is not required.

Second, the concepts are demonstrated with a Verasonics Vantage™ Research Ultrasound System using software designed specifically for this course, as well as supplementary imaging laboratory kits. The use of the Vantage System provides unparalleled insight into each step of ultrasound image creation including signal processing, transducer operation, different types of beamforming, and image formation. Imaging principles are brought to life by hands-on experiments, which produce quantitative results, using the Vantage System.

The curriculum encompasses 10 “ready-to-teach” modules including:

    • Lecture presentations including embedded videos and lecturer notes (45-60 minutes each)
    • A suite of approximately 25 interactive simulation programs to illustrate course principles for use during the lectures and labs
    • Student labs consisting of instructive lectures, simulator exercises and a series of experiments for students to acquire ultrasound data using a Verasonics Vantage Research Ultrasound System (1-2 hours each). In one approach, students will take turns doing “hands-on” lab experiments with the Vantage System. In another, the professor may choose to collect data sets for distribution. Knowledge of MATLAB is not needed unless the instructor wants students to analyze data using MATLAB. Student knowledge of Vantage System operation is not needed. Complete GUI-driven data acquisition scripts will be provided.

Course Content

A comprehensive overview introduces the major functional blocks of two types of ultrasound imaging systems: a commercial system with delay and sum hardware beamforming and the Vantage Research Ultrasound System with a unique software-based architecture. Signal processing, beamforming, and imaging formation are described and experienced through interactive modules and laboratory exercises. Interactive simulators demonstrate the basics of wave propagation, refraction, reverberation, reflection and scattering. In addition, an introduction to transducers, diffraction, acoustic fields (both continuous wave and pulsed), focusing, plane wave compounding, power law absorption, and heating is included.

Course Users

The primary intended audience is entering graduate students and engineers in industry; however, the material would appeal to wider circle of students and instructors. The secondary audience are those who are involved or starting out in ultrasound research and development, but who may not have the background to fully comprehend the latest developments. This includes scientists and engineers from other disciplines, physicians, managers of research groups and those curious about ultrasound science or who are considering, or entering the field. A frequent situation arising in industry is that an ultrasound company will hire staff from other disciplines or backgrounds and the new employees have to learn ultrasound imaging to carry out their work.

Student Prerequisites:

    • General understanding of basic physics
    • Student familiarity with MATLAB not needed (except for lab data analysis at the instructor’s discretion)

Hardware/Software Prerequisites:

    • Verasonics Vantage 64, 64 LE, 128 or 256 (Standard or High Frequency — no options needed)
    • Verasonics UTA 260-MUX
    • Verasonics L11-5v Linear Array Transducer
    • MATLAB (version 2022a or newer)

Essentials of Ultrasound imaging Curriculum Package:

    • 10 modules, each including lectures and notes, laboratory lectures, instructions, and Vantage lab scripts*
    • Simulation programs in executable form for either Windows or macOS with instruction manual*
    • Laboratory Kits (CIRS QMode Ultrasound Quality Assurance Phantom and custom phantom kit from Verasonics)

*Licensed software option

Verasonics

11335 NE 122nd Way, Suite 100
Kirkland WA 98034