A Finite Element Model of Shear Wave Propagation Induced by an Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse

R. De Luca[1,2], J. Fromageau[1], H.W. Chan[1], F. Marinozzi[2], J. Bamber[1]
[1]Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, England, United Kingdom
[2]Sapienza University of Rome, Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Rome, Italy
Published in 2013

Shear wave elastography is an innovative technique used in combination with the traditional ultrasound imaging to improve the specificity of cancer imaging. A two-dimensional finite element model (FEM), composed of realistic boundary conditions, was developed in COMSOL Multiphysics® to simulate the propagation of shear waves induced by an acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) in isotropic, homogeneous, linear elastic and quasi-incompressible media (shear modulus 1-200 kPa). This project aims to assess the shear deformation under the action of ARFI and therefore to estimate shear wave speed. The results show that the FEM analysis provided a reliable model of shear wave generation and propagation. It may be a useful tool for the evaluation of the viscoelastic behaviour of biological soft tissues.

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