Advanced imaging techniques

URL study guide

https://tue.osiris-student.nl/onderwijscatalogus/extern/cursus?cursuscode=8VC00&collegejaar=2025&taal=en

Description

For ultrasound, starting point will be the 3-D wave equations to model sound wave propagation. Next, the basis of pulse-echo imaging, pressure field generation, reflection, diffraction and diffuse scattering will be provided, which are the foundations of ultrasound imaging in the human body. Techniques to improve image formation, such as array technology, focusing, ultrafast imaging, advanced beamforming and post-processing will be discussed. An overview of the different in vivo applications of ultrasound imaging will be provided, including all the pros and cons. Finally, a number of functional imaging techniques will be discussend, including Doppler flow imaging, vector velocity imaging, strain imaging and (shear wave) elastography.
 
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): this course provides an extensive basis for a good understanding how MRI works. It explains how the strong permanent magnetic field and the other electromagnetic fields result into an image. This will then also provide insight into the various types of images that are obtained by MRI (e.g. T1-weighted en T2-weighted images) and what these images are used for in clinical practice. An important component will be calculations on the magnetization of tissue for various imaging techniques. In addition, MRI provides next to anatomical images also an extensive spectrum of functional imaging techniques that provide information on metabolism and/or microstructure in tissue. The obtained insight in MRI physics will be used to explain a number of these functional contrast mechanisms.

Objectives

Ultrasound:

1. Understands the physics of acoustics, pressure fields, reflection and diffractions and being able to analyze pressure fields using mathematical/physical models.
2. Has knowledge on how to use ultrasound, beamforming and transducer designs to image the human body, as well as to understand techniques to construct images and improve resolution and image quality, including focusing, steering and advanced beamforming.
3. Has knowledge on the applications of ultrasound in the human body as well as the pros and cons of ultrasound imaging in general and for said applications.
4. Has knowledge on basic techniques to perform function imaging and quantitative information on blood flow (Doppler, vector velocity imaging), tissue motion (strain imaging), and the elastic properties of tissue (elastography).

MRI:

1. Understands the underlying physics that MRI is based upon.
2. Understands the components of a MRI system and how the interplay of electromagnetic fields results in an image.
3. Has insight in the various anatomical contrast mechanisms, the various MRI sequences that are based upon this and what these sequences are used for in clinic.
4. Has knowledge into the numerous functional contrast mechanisms of MRI such as MR spectroscopy, BOLD (fMRI), diffusion weighted imaging etc.

Method of Assessment

Written examination using notebook