First time use of multifrequency linear ultrasound probes up to 40 MHz for in vitro assessment of breast implant surface structures

Aim This study aims to evaluate the surface-structure of breast-implants in-vitro with multifrequency-ultrasound-technology up to 40MHz. The aim of this study is to achieve an accurate description and sonographic presentation of different implants.

Methods Breast implants (silicon /polyurethane) were examined in an experimental in-vitro-study using a multifrequency linear-probe with frequency range up to 40MHz.

Ultrasound preset was adopted based on the previous knowledge from the publication of Diesch et. al.: B-Mode, SRI-3, crossbeam-high, colour-D, grey-scale-F.

Using a standardized ultrasound protocol, the implants were examined at the point of highest-projection and lateral.

Image evaluation was performed on anonymized digital-images in the PACS.

The image quality and the accuracy of the surface-structure were evaluated using a score from 0= non-delectability of surface structures, 5-best possible representation of the surface-structure.

Results The quality of ultrasound-imaging of breast implant surfaces using a high frequency range up to 40 MHz was significant superior to lower frequency ranges. The image Quality of the dorsal implant-surface was inferior regardless the frequency range in comparison to the ventral surface.

Conclusion Sonographic evaluation of breast implant surface-structures in high frequency ranges is limited by the type of breast implants (smooth, microtextured and macrotextured). Image quality in orthogonal breast implants sonography was superior. The best possible sonographic resolution of the breast implant surface layers was seen in the frequency rage from 20-40 MHz.

The gained knowledge can serve as a basis for further clinical studies with the aim to evaluate the implant and the surrounding tissue with ultrasound.

Publication History

Article published online:
21 June 2022