Ultrasound super-resolution with microbubble contrast agents

Ultrasound super-resolution imaging can be achieved by localizing spatially isolated microbubble contrast agents over multiple imaging frames. In vivo images with resolutions of ∼10–20 microns in deep tissue have been demonstrated. The technique has the potential to revolutionize the way micro-circulation can be visualized and quantified, and has implications in a wide range of clinical applications including cancer, diabetes and beyond. In this paper we describe the principle of the technique with in vivo results demonstrating the superior resolution achieved compared with existing ultrasound imaging. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities in the area of 3D imaging including, imaging speed, tissue motion and microbubble localization errors.