Electrical impedance method and apparatus for detecting and diagnosing diseases

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for detecting and diagnosing disease states in a living organism by using a plurality of electrical impedance measurements. In particular, the invention provides for an improved electrode array for diagnosing the presence of a disease state in the human breast, and discloses a method of application of the array to the breast that ensures that the multiplicity of impedance measurements obtained from a first body part correspond as precisely and reproducibly as possible to the multiplicity of impedance measurements that are obtained from another, homologous, second body part. A number of diagnostic methods based on homologous electrical difference analysis are disclosed, including the calculation of a number of metrics used to indicate disease states by comparison with pre-established threshold values, and the construction of a number of graphical displays for indicating the location of disease to a body part sector.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for detecting and diagnosing disease states in a living organism by using a plurality of electrical impedance measurements.[0002] Methods for screening and diagnosing diseased states within the body are based on sensing a physical characteristic or physiological attribute of body tissue, and then distinguishing normal from abnormal states from changes in the characteristic or attribute. For example, X-ray techniques measure tissue physical density, ultrasound measures acoustic density, and thermal sensing techniques measures differences in tissue heat. Another measurable property of tissue is its electrical impedance; i.e., the resistance tissue offers to the flow of electrical current through it. Values of electrical impedance of various body tissues are well known through studies on intact humans or from excised tissue made available following therapeutic surgical procedures. In addition, it is well documente...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a method and apparatus for detecting and locating disease states in a living organism by measuring electrical impedance. The invention uses a flexible electrode array with multiple electrodes that can be placed on the surface of the body part being diagnosed. The electrodes are arranged on flexible arms that can be fixed to the skin using adhesive. The invention can be used to detect and locate breast abnormalities, particularly breast cancer, by measuring the impedance of the breast tissue. The method involves comparing the impedance measurements to a normal database and calculating metrics to diagnose the presence of disease. The invention can also be used to detect and locate other diseases or conditions in the body by comparing the electrical impedance of the affected region to a normal region. The electrode array includes a flexible body with flexible arms and electrodes arranged on the arms to obtain impedance measurements. The invention provides a faster, more accurate method for detecting and locating breast abnormalities."

Problems solved by technology

However, there are basic problems when trying to construct an image from impedance data.

As a result, the mathematics for constructing the impedance image is very complex and requires simplifying assumptions that greatly decrease image fidelity and resolution.

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