Neural Born Series Operator for Biomedical Ultrasound Computed Tomography

TL;DR

This paper presents the Neural Born Series Operator (NBSO), a neural operator that accelerates wave simulations in ultrasound computed tomography, enabling faster and more efficient tissue imaging with potential for near real-time clinical applications.

Contribution

The paper introduces NBSO, a novel neural operator that significantly speeds up wave simulations for USCT, improving the efficiency of full waveform inversion in tissue imaging.

Findings

NBSO achieves high accuracy in wave simulation and image reconstruction.

Validated on brain and breast datasets under experimental USCT conditions.

Demonstrates potential for near real-time USCT imaging.

Abstract

Ultrasound Computed Tomography (USCT) provides a radiation-free option for high-resolution clinical imaging. Despite its potential, the computationally intensive Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) required for tissue property reconstruction limits its clinical utility. This paper introduces the Neural Born Series Operator (NBSO), a novel technique designed to speed up wave simulations, thereby facilitating a more efficient USCT image reconstruction process through an NBSO-based FWI pipeline. Thoroughly validated on comprehensive brain and breast datasets, simulated under experimental USCT conditions, the NBSO proves to be accurate and efficient in both forward simulation and image reconstruction. This advancement demonstrates the potential of neural operators in facilitating near real-time USCT reconstruction, making the clinical application of USCT increasingly viable and promising.