Novel Spline-Based Approach for Robust Strain Estimation in Elastography

Robust strain estimation is important in elastography. However, a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) are sometimes attained by sacrificing resolution. We propose a least-squares-based smoothing-spline strain estimator that can produce elastograms with high SNR and CNR without significant loss of resolution. The proposed method improves strain-estimation quality by deemphasing displacements with lower correlation in computing strains. Results from finite-element simulation and phantom-experiment data demonstrate that the described strain estimator provides good SNR and CNR without degrading resolution.