A wavelet optimization approach for microemboli classification using RF signals

Wavelets are known particularly to be an effective tool for extracting discriminative features in the scattered RF signals of both solid and gaseous emboli. However, the selection of an appropriate mother wavelet for the signal being analyzed is an important criterion. This offers the possibility to perform an optimization procedure to obtain the best wavelet. The purpose of the study is to propose a new approach to classify microembolic echoes using a discrete wavelet transform (DWT) based on genetic algorithm optimization and support vector machine (SVM) classifier. The experimental setup consists of a flow phantom (ATSLaB) containing a tube of 6 mm in diameter. In order to mimic the ultrasonic behavior of gaseous emboli, contrast agents consisting of microbubbles are used in our experimental setup. However, to mimic the behavior of the solid emboli we have used the Doppler fluid which contains particles with scatter characteristics comparable to red blood cells. The acquisitions are carried out at 2 MHz and 3.5 MHz transmit frequency. Ultrasound waves are transmitted at different intensities corresponding to mechanical indices (MI) of 0.21 and 0.42 for the transmit frequency of 2 MHz, and 0.31 and 0.62 for the transmit frequency of 3.5 MHz. Two concentrations of the contrast agent (100 mu l and 200 mu l) are diluted into a 100 ml volume of water. The polyphase representation of the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is exploited in this study. Such representation allows generating a wavelet filter bank from a set of angular parameters, in order to minimize the fitness function based on genetic algorithm optimization and the SVM classifier. The best accuracy classifications of microemboli obtained in this study are equal to 99.90% for 2MHz and to 99.60% for 3.5MHz. These results illustrate that wavelet optimization approach works well for microemboli classification using RF signals.