System and device for improved ultrasound cavitation mapping

Stanford researchers have demonstrated a new passive cavitation mapping algorithm based on sound localization of multiple scatters of cavitation. It shows improved resolution as compared to existing passive cavitation mapping algorithms based on a basic beamforming. Existing methods exhibit axial imaging resolution limited by the finite point spread function of imaging transducers and bandwidth of cavitation signals. The proposed method can pinpoint the origin of spherical waves corresponding to the location of the imploding bubbles, in order to obtain high resolution images. The improved imaging resolution permits precise monitoring of cavitation. It also provides both spatial and quantitative information of cavitation activities. This new method can be useful in clinical applications such as image guided drug delivery.