Secondary abstract: |
Introduction: In the field of diagnostic ultrasound, there are phantoms for quality control and calibration of equipment, and they are also used for education, research work, and to help develop new diagnostic techniques. With the help of phantoms, we simplify and standardize the image environment. Phantoms consist of materials that mimic tissues, within which simple or complex objects that mimic different structures can also be embedded. Commercial phantoms are usually designed for wide markets and therefore cannot be customized. For this reason, custom phantoms are also designed and manufactured on request for specific purposes, different dimensions or to reduce costs. Purpose: The purpose is to find phantoms and materials suitable for the simulation of human tissue from the literature and to evaluate ultrasound images of selected materials through experimental work at the Faculty of Health Sciences. Methods: In the diploma work we used a descriptive method with a review of the literature, which lasted from 22. 10. 2020 to 16. 3. 2021. In the experimental work with the ultrasonic device SonoScape E2 and the associated linear and convex probe, we tested selected materials. Results: Based on the findings from the literature review, we selected tofu, gelatin, meat, water, and ultrasonic gel. In the phantom of tofu we get a homogeneous picture. In the case of gelatin and meat, a mixed signal is visible in the figure. In water and ultrasound gel, however, the picture is inhomogeneous. All selected materials are easily accessible with the exception of ultrasonic gel. Their weakness is in durability due to the short shelf life and more difficult reproducibility of phantom manufacturing. Artifacts appeared in all materials. Discussion and conclusion: We found that meat, of all the selected materials, is the most suitable for simulating human tissue, mainly due to its similar structure. Meanwhile, water and ultrasound gel are the least suitable. In order to obtain optimal images and reduce artifacts, the imaging parameters should be adjusted. |