Super resolution Microvascular Imaging and Time of Arrival

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  • March 17 2025
  • 1 min read

Microvascular Imaging Super Resolution (MVI SR) and Time of Arrival Super Resolution (TOA SR)

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Download this white paper for an overview of Microvascular Imaging Super Resolution (MVI SR) and Time of Arrival Super Resolution (TOA SR) --breakthrough innovation features that were introduced to the Philips EPIQ Elite platform with the Next Gen Release software. The paper also discusses the similarities and differences of MVI SR/TOA SR vs. related existing techniques (namely, super resolution in fluorescence microscopy; super resolution in CEUS, aka ultrasound localization and maximum intensity projection CEUS imaging).

At-a-glance:

  • Visualization of microvascular architecture can provide important information for detection and diagnosis of many diseases as well as for treatment planning and monitoring [1] 
  • MVI SR’s image processing and motion compensation techniques applied to CEUS images prior to maximum intensity projection imaging deliver high spatial resolution and reduced motion artifacts*  
  • TOA SR uses a color-coded scheme in which the color hue is determined by the CEUS arrival time and the color luminance is obtained from the corresponding MVI SR CEUS amplitude
Clinician and patient

Microvascular Imaging Super Resolution (MVI SR) and Time of Arrival Super Resolution (TOA SR) are exciting breakthroughs in microvasculature imaging. MVI SR/TOA SR is available as a post-processing Q-App tool and can be applied to any previously acquired CEUS loop. MVI SR/TOA SR is consistent with current CEUS workflow in the sense that it performs well with current contrast agent doses, frame rates and observation times.

MVI SR/TOA SR leverages proprietary computer vision techniques and advanced motion compensation algorithms to achieve:

  • Major spatial resolution improvement of more than 250% over existing maximum intensity projection CEUS imaging techniques (called microvascular imaging [MVI] on Philips ultrasound systems)*
  • Significant reduction in motion artifacts compared to Philips legacy MVI (based on multiple qualitative observations), which represents a key limitation of current maximum intensity projection CEUS imaging techniques

As a result, MVI SR/TOA SR offers:

  • High-definition visualization of the microvascular architecture
  • Excellent visualization of the peak enhancement and, perhaps more importantly, temporal filling patterns during the arterial phase
  • Clear depiction and separation of feeding vessels, which can be challenging to identify in regular CEUS and MVI loops
Microvascular Imaging Super Resolution

MVI SR provides a high-resolution representation of the FNH lesion’s peak arterial enhancement pattern, while TOA SR clearly demonstrates the star-like temporal arterial filling pattern associated with FNH lesions.

Initial clinical feedback regarding MVI SR/TOA SR is that its use can enhance diagnostic confidence [1]. Also, by using these features, it is straightforward to “condense” CEUS loops into single-image “summaries,” which can help relatively inexperienced users to interpret CEUS exams and easily communicate the relevant findings to referring physicians.

The next step, after the introduction of the exciting MVI SR/TOA SR innovations, is to perform clinical studies in order to investigate their potential for better CEUS-based characterization of lesions and diseases as well as treatment planning and monitoring.

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Footnotes
  1. Yi HM, et al. A review of clinical applications for super resolution ultrasound localization microscopy. Current Medical Science. 2022;42:1-16.
Disclaimer
*Compared to previous capability