Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

We propose to acquire an automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS) from Ultrasonix Medical Corp (Richmond, BC, Canada). The ABUS system enables clinicians to acquire operator-independent three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound images of the entire breast in a few minutes. During the examination, the patient lies face down on a bed that has a dome in which the examined breast fits. A 3D ultrasound image is acquired automatically by rotating an ultrasound transducer around the dome. The parameters of the image acquisition, such as the transducer rotation steps, depth of imaging, imaging type - conventional B-mode or Doppler - as used in the clinic, can be selected. In addition, unprocessed ultrasound echo data will be collected that will enable the applicants to define their own specific imaging method. In one such method, the applicants will measure breast elasticity, which is an automated way of finding lumps. In another such method, the applicants will use ""photo-acoustic"" imaging to determine the regions of higher blood concentration in the breast. Yet in another method, the applicants will analyze sequences of echo data to determine specific tissue response to heat deposition. The applicants plan to combine these multiple novel imaging approaches with computer-based classification methods typical of machine learning in order to accurately predict cancer and the need for a biopsy. Five faculty members and eight trainees will be using this system per year in collaborative projects as summarized above. To date there are no ABUS systems in use outside Ultrasonix and this will provide the applicants with a system that is unique in the world, enabling exceptionally novel research to be carried out.