Ultrasound channel attention residual network for medical plane wave echo data-based average sound speed estimation

The average sound speed estimation is crucial for ultrasound imaging quality and diagnostic. In this article, the deep learning techniques were utilized and an innovative Ultrasound Channel Attention Residual Network (UCA-ResNet) was proposed. The UCA-ResNet incorporated a specially designed Ultrasound Channel Attention (UCA) block, which effectively enhanced relevant ultrasound channel features and convolutional channel features. For evaluation, the simulation, phantom, and in vivo experiments were conducted. In the simulation experiment, UCA-ResNet achieved remarkable results, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.40 m/s, root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.25 m/s, standard deviation of error (SDE) of 1.25 m/s, and a one-time estimation time of 3.67 ms. Moreover, the phantom and in vivo experiments further validated the high accuracy and low computational cost of UCA-ResNet. The UCA-ResNet can accurately estimate the average sound speed using a single plane wave echo data while maintaining low computational cost. It has potential in enhancing medical ultrasound imaging quality and providing novel diagnostic insights. (Code and data will be available upon acceptance of the manuscript.)