Clinical Applications of B-Flow Ultrasound: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Abstract

Coded excitation ultrasound investigations have the potential to augment the resolution, increase the efficiency, and expand the possibilities of noninvasive diagnostic imaging. B-Flow ultrasound, a type of digitally encoded imaging, was developed more than 20 years ago with the aim to optimize the visualization of blood flow. It has been investigated for a plethora of applications so far. A scoping review regarding its clinical applications was conducted based on a systematic literature research. B-Flow has been investigated in various anatomic locations and pathologies. However, previous research is limited by small sample sizes, the rare occurrence of elaborate study designs, the reliance on subjective reports and qualitative data, as well as several potential biases. While results are in general promising, it should therefore still be considered an emerging technology. Nevertheless, the limitations can be addressed in future research and the potential to expand its applications make B-Flow an interesting candidate for further investigations.