Quantitative validation of two model-based methods for the correction of probe pressure deformation in ultrasound.

Purpose: The acquisition of good quality ultrasound (US) images requires good acoustic coupling between the ultrasound probe and the patient's skin. In practice, this good coupling is achieved by the operator applying a force to the skin through the probe. This force induces a deformation of the tissues underlying the probe.

Predictive Model for Designing Soft-Tissue Mimicking Ultrasound Phantoms With Adjustable Elasticity.

The use of mechanically representative phantoms is important for experimental validation in ultrasound (US) imaging, elastography, and image registration. This article proposes a model to predict the elastic modulus of a soft tissue-mimicking phantom based on two very easily controllable parameters: gelatin concentration and refrigeration duration. The model has been validated on small- and large-scale phantoms; it provides a good prediction of the elastic modulus in both cases (error < 16.