# Coherence-Based Fetal Ultrasonic Imaging

> **NIH NIH R01** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $477,738

## Abstract

Abstract
Ultrasonic imaging is widely used to monitor fetal growth and development during the first and second
trimester, and multiple studies document the resultant positive impacts on fetal and maternal
outcomes. However, current methods fail to provide adequate visualization of key structures in many
patients, and alternative imaging modes are rarely available to these patients. We have developed
novel ultrasonic beamforming methods that utilize the spatial coherence of backscattered echoes.
These methods, in simulation, phantom, and blinded-observer clinical studies, show markedly
improved image quality over conventional ultrasonic images, especially in difficult-to-image patients.
We propose extend our theory of coherence imaging to 1.5D and 2D arrays and to very large arrays.
Using such advanced arrays, we propose clinical studies to assess the role of coherence imaging in
key fetal diagnostic tasks in first trimester and second trimester scans. Quantitative image quality
metrics and observer studies are proposed to compare B-mode and coherence images with an
emphasis on difficult-to-image patients for whom current imaging methods fail. Related studies will
measure the contribution of various sources of image degradation in fetal scans. If successful, the
proposed research could lead to a new class of ultrasonic beamforming methods that operate in
imaging environments in which current methods fail.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10366160
- **Project number:** 2R01EB017711-09
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Gregg E. Trahey
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $477,738
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2014-07-01 → 2026-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10366160

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10366160, Coherence-Based Fetal Ultrasonic Imaging (2R01EB017711-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10366160. Licensed CC0.

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