a Gaussian distributed signal results [61]. This results in what is called fully developed
speckle in the ultrasound images. In parts of this thesis work where a tissue model
is applied, we assume this to be the case. When considering larger regions with nonuniform
scattering, a non-Gaussian distribution of the received tissue signal is typically
given due to large differences in scattering strengths. It can be justified however, that
when looking smaller regions in an image where a close to uniform medium is given,
the distribution of the received signal from tissue approaches a Gaussian shape. An
example of this is shown in Fig. 2.10, where the myocardium wall of a pig is imaged
using an i13L linear array probe (GE Healthcare, WI, USA) operating at 14MHz. As
can be observed, when looking at smaller sections of an image, the distribution of the
tissue signal does in fact approach a Gaussian shape.
The Doppler signal from tissue results from tissue movement due to muscle
contractions, and muscle vibrations in the operator holding the ultrasound probe and
the patient. There may also be a relative motion of the probe against the patient
skinline. The muscle contractions are typically cyclic, and are therefore accelerated.
This acceleration will increase the bandwidth of the tissue Doppler spectrum. Tissue
muscle vibrations were analyzed in [62], where it was modeled as a zero-mean Gaussian
process, and shown to set a lower bound on the measurable Doppler shifts from blood.