Charlotte Nawijn, Ph.D. candidate at the University of Twente, has developed an innovative ultrasound technique that significantly enhances blood flow imaging. Her method utilizes a smart ultrasound pulse train to reduce noise and improve the contrast of images, overcoming challenges with previous methods that struggled with microbubbles and rapid blood flow. Microbubbles, smaller than red blood cells, are widely used as contrast agents in ultrasound diagnostics to visualize blood flow in organs like the heart and large vessels. Nawijn’s groundbreaking research optimizes the timing of pulse transmissions, employing calculated breaks to enhance signal clarity and image precision without compromising speed. Her approach, which requires only a single pulse train, has been shown to reduce measurement errors by up to four times, enabling clearer visualization of fast-moving blood flows, such as those in the aorta. This advancement paves the way for improved cardiovascular disease diagnosis, offering more precise and reliable imaging for medical professionals. With this technique, high-quality ultrasound imaging is achieved without slowing down shooting speeds, marking a significant step forward in diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. Nawijn’s dissertation, “Bubbles and Waves for Ultrasound Imaging and Therapy,” underscores her contribution to medical imaging innovations. This new method holds immense potential for improving the detection and treatment of cardiovascular conditions by providing physicians with more detailed and accurate insights into blood flow dynamics.
