Volume Visualization and Error Analysis Using 3D ARM Imaging Data

The utility and accuracy of volume visualization using 3D ARFI image data was investigated. Volumes of ARFI data were collected of custom tissue-mimicking phantoms by using a translation stage to increment the position of the imaging transducer through the elevation plane. Both vessel phantoms with stiff or soft plaques and a liver phantom with a stiff inclusion were used in the study. Simple displacement threshold techniques were used to segment inclusions from phantom background materials. ARFI-based measurements of inclusion volume were accurate to within 4% error for the liver phantom and 10.6% error for the vessel phantoms.