Manilal, P. I.

The use of contrast agents is becoming a routine practice in diagnostic ultrasound imaging. Microbubble contrast agents are proving to be a safe and practical way of enhancing conventional ultrasound images. This paper discusses the concept of using microbubble contrast agents in the vibro-acoustography (VA) technique. A brief background of microbubbles and their clinical applications is given as well as a summary of the different attempts at modeling microbubble contrast agents in ultrasound fields. A general Keller–Herring equation is modified to mathematically model the interaction of encapsulated microbubbles in blood with VA ultrasound. The frequency response and scattered pressure of microbubbles with initial radius of 1 and 3 m are presented. This method is accurate for pressure amplitudes up to 500 kPa. Understanding this interaction is important for the correct interpretation of clinical investigations when using VA.

This article discusses the possibility of using microbubble contrast agents in the Vibro-Acoustography (VA) technique. An existing mathematical model is used to determine the interaction of encapsulated microbubbles with VA ultrasound fields. Such models may lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanics and interactions in clinical settings.