Method for evaluating penis cavernous body hardness of erectile dysfunction patient by using shear wave elastography technology

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of penis cavernous body hardness evaluation, and provides a method for evaluating the penis cavernous body hardness of an erectile dysfunction patient by using a shear wave elastography technology, which comprises the following steps: imaging the penis cavernous body of the ED patient by using a high-frequency diasonograph; elastic parameters of the penis cavernosum are obtained through the shear wave elastography technology, and the hardness of the penis cavernosum is evaluated according to the obtained elastic parameters; according to the method, the hardness of the penis cavernosum can be objectively and quantitatively evaluated, and subjectivity and uncertainty of a traditional evaluation method are avoided; by introducing a deep learning or machine learning algorithm, automatic identification and classification of the penis cavernosum hardness are realized, and the evaluation efficiency and accuracy are improved; meanwhile, a plurality of elastic parameters are obtained to comprehensively reflect the elastic characteristics of the cavernosum cornutum, and classification and grading evaluation are performed according to the age, gender and basic diseases of the patient, so that the accuracy and applicability of the evaluation result are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of penis corpus cavernosum hardness assessment, and specifically is a method for assessing the penis corpus cavernosum hardness of patients with erectile dysfunction by using shear wave elastic imaging technology. Background Art

[0002] Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the common sexual dysfunctions in men, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Traditional methods for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum mainly rely on the doctor's palpation and the patient's subjective feelings. These methods are highly subjective and inaccurate. With the development of medical imaging technology, ultrasound imaging technology has been widely used in clinical practice due to its non-invasive and convenient characteristics. However, traditional ultrasound imaging technology mainly focuses on the morphological structure of the corpus cavernosum, and there is still a lack of objective and quantitative methods for evaluating its hardness.

[0003] To this end, those skilled in the art have proposed a method for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of a patient with erectile dysfunction using shear wave elastography to solve the problems raised by the background art. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a method for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) using shear wave elastography technology, so as to solve the problems that traditional ultrasonic imaging technology in the prior art mainly focuses on the morphological structure of the corpus cavernosum of the penis, and there is still a lack of objective and quantitative methods for evaluating its hardness.

[0005] A method for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of a patient with erectile dysfunction (ED) using shear wave elastography, comprising:

[0006] S1. Use high-frequency ultrasound to image the corpus cavernosum of ED patients.

[0007] S2. The elastic parameters of the corpus cavernosum are obtained by shear wave elastography, and the hardness of the corpus cavernosum is evaluated based on the obtained elastic parameters.

[0008] Preferably, the high-frequency ultrasonic diagnostic instrument is a Supersonic Aixplorer type ultrasonic diagnostic instrument with a probe frequency of 4-15 MHz to ensure imaging clarity and accuracy.

[0009] Preferably, the shear wave elastography technique objectively and quantitatively evaluates the hardness of the corpus cavernosum by real-time tracking of shear wave propagation and calculating elastic modulus.

[0010] Preferably, a deep learning or machine learning algorithm is introduced to automatically analyze and process the shear wave elastography data, that is, by training the algorithm model, the automatic recognition and classification of the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of the penis can be realized; this can not only reduce human intervention and improve evaluation efficiency, but also avoid the influence of subjective factors on the evaluation results, and improve the objectivity and accuracy of the evaluation.

[0011] Preferably, the elastic parameters include shear wave velocity (SWS), mean strain rate (SWS-mean), maximum strain rate (SWS-max) and minimum strain rate (SWS-min), which fully reflect the elastic characteristics of the corpus cavernosum.

[0012] Preferably, the criteria for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of the penis are classified and graded according to the patient's age, gender and underlying disease to ensure the accuracy and applicability of the evaluation results.

[0013] Preferably, the method further comprises performing multiple tests on the same patient and comparing the changes in elastic parameters at different time points to evaluate the therapeutic effect and disease progression.

[0014] Preferably, a comprehensive evaluation is performed in combination with a patient's subjective assessment questionnaire, including the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, to improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the diagnosis.

[0015] Preferably, it also includes: a real-time dynamic monitoring function, which enables the patient to observe the hardness changes of the corpus cavernosum in real time during the test. The real-time dynamic monitoring technology can help doctors understand the functional status of the corpus cavernosum more intuitively and detect and deal with abnormal situations in time.

[0016] Preferably, it also includes comparing the elasticity parameters of the normal control group and ED patients, constructing elasticity parameter intervals of different grades, and providing a basis for the accurate diagnosis of ED.

[0017] Preferably, the elastic parameters are processed by statistical analysis software, the mean value, standard deviation and t-test result are calculated, the difference between groups is evaluated, and the objectivity and reliability of the evaluation results are ensured.

[0018] Preferably, it also includes: using three-dimensional reconstruction technology to convert two-dimensional shear wave elastic imaging data into a three-dimensional image, so that the doctor can more intuitively observe the three-dimensional structure and hardness distribution of the corpus cavernosum of the penis; at the same time, combined with visualization technology, the hardness assessment results are presented to the patient and doctor in an intuitive manner, which helps the patient to better understand his or her condition and enhance communication and understanding between doctors and patients.

[0019] Preferably, the method is used clinically to evaluate the efficacy of different treatment regimens, provide data support for individualized treatment, optimize treatment plans, and improve patients' quality of life.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] 1. The present invention uses shear wave elastography technology to track shear wave propagation in real time and calculate the elastic modulus, thereby objectively and quantitatively evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of the penis, avoiding the subjectivity and uncertainty of traditional evaluation methods.

[0022] 2. The present invention introduces deep learning or machine learning algorithms to automatically analyze and process shear wave elastography data, thereby realizing automatic identification and classification of the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of the penis and improving evaluation efficiency and accuracy.

[0023] 3. The present invention comprehensively reflects the elastic characteristics of the corpus cavernosum by acquiring elastic parameters such as shear wave velocity (SWS), average strain rate (SWS-mean), maximum strain rate (SWS-max) and minimum strain rate (SWS-min), thereby providing more comprehensive information for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum.

[0024] 4. The present invention classifies and grades the patients according to their age, gender and underlying diseases to ensure the accuracy and applicability of the evaluation results and provide data support for individualized treatment.

[0025] 5. The present invention provides a real-time dynamic monitoring function, which enables patients and doctors to observe the hardness changes of the corpus cavernosum of the penis in real time, and helps to promptly discover and deal with abnormal situations.

[0026] 6. The present invention compares the elasticity parameters of the normal control group and ED patients, constructs elasticity parameter intervals of different grades, and provides a basis for the accurate diagnosis of ED. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 The present invention is a flow chart of a method for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of a patient with erectile dysfunction (ED) using shear wave elastography. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0029] Embodiment: The present invention provides a method for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of a patient with erectile dysfunction (ED) using shear wave elastography, such as Figure 1 As shown, the method includes: using a high-frequency ultrasound diagnostic apparatus to image the corpus cavernosum of an ED patient, obtaining elastic parameters of the corpus cavernosum by shear wave elastography, and evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum based on the obtained elastic parameters.

[0030] From the above, it can be seen that the present invention can objectively and quantitatively evaluate the hardness of the corpus cavernosum, avoiding the subjectivity and uncertainty of traditional evaluation methods; by introducing deep learning or machine learning algorithms, automatic recognition and classification of the hardness of the corpus cavernosum is realized, thereby improving the evaluation efficiency and accuracy; at the same time, multiple elastic parameters are obtained to comprehensively reflect the elastic characteristics of the corpus cavernosum, and classification and graded evaluation are performed according to the patient's age, gender and underlying diseases, thereby ensuring the accuracy and applicability of the evaluation results; in addition, the real-time dynamic monitoring function provided is helpful to timely discover and deal with abnormal situations, and the comparison of elastic parameters between the normal control group and ED patients provides a basis for the accurate diagnosis of ED, thereby improving the accuracy of ED diagnosis and the quality of life of patients as a whole.

[0031] Furthermore, the high-frequency ultrasonic diagnostic instrument is a Supersonic Aixplorer type ultrasonic diagnostic instrument with a probe frequency of 4-15MHz, which ensures imaging clarity and accuracy.

[0032] Furthermore, the shear wave elastography technique objectively and quantitatively evaluates the hardness of the corpus cavernosum by real-time tracking of shear wave propagation and calculating the elastic modulus. The formula of the shear wave elastography technique is as follows: E = 3ρv 2 ; Where E represents the elastic modulus (or hardness) of the tissue, usually in kPa;

[0033] ρ represents the density of the tissue, which is usually considered a constant for human tissue;

[0034] v represents the propagation velocity of shear waves in tissues, measured in v.

[0035] Furthermore, a deep learning or machine learning algorithm is introduced to automatically analyze and process the shear wave elastography data, that is, by training the algorithm model, the automatic recognition and classification of the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of the penis can be realized; this can not only reduce human intervention and improve the evaluation efficiency, but also avoid the influence of subjective factors on the evaluation results, and improve the objectivity and accuracy of the evaluation. The deep learning algorithm is a convolutional neural network, including a convolutional layer, a pooling layer, a fully connected layer, etc., which extracts features and classifies them by training a large amount of image data. The machine learning algorithm is a support vector machine, which finds the optimal classification surface by maximizing the distance between the classification boundary and the sample point.

[0036] From the above, we can see that by introducing deep learning (such as convolutional neural networks) or machine learning algorithms (such as support vector machines) to automatically analyze and process shear wave elastography data, we can significantly reduce dependence on human intervention, improve evaluation efficiency, and avoid the influence of subjective factors on evaluation results, thereby greatly improving the objectivity and accuracy of the evaluation, and providing a more reliable and accurate means for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of the penis in patients with erectile dysfunction.

[0037] Furthermore, the elastic parameters include shear wave velocity (SWS), mean strain rate (SWS-mean), maximum strain rate (SWS-max) and minimum strain rate (SWS-min), which comprehensively reflect the elastic characteristics of the corpus cavernosum.

[0038] Furthermore, the criteria for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of the penis are classified and graded according to the patient's age, gender and underlying diseases to ensure the accuracy and applicability of the evaluation results.

[0039] Furthermore, it also includes performing multiple tests on the same patient and comparing changes in elastic parameters at different time points to evaluate treatment efficacy and disease progression, which involves time series analysis and statistical comparison;

[0040] The formula for time series analysis is as follows: Let Y t represents the elastic parameters of the patient at time point t (such as shear wave velocity, average strain rate, etc.), then the time series can be expressed as {Y1,Y2,...,Y n};

[0041] The statistical comparison: The t-test was used to compare the means of elastic parameters at different time points to assess whether there were significant differences. The formula is as follows: in, and is the mean of the elasticity parameter at two time points, s′ is the combined standard deviation, and n 1 and n 2 is the sample size at two time points.

[0042] From the above, we can see that the method of evaluating the treatment effect and disease progression by conducting multiple tests on the same patient and comparing the changes in elastic parameters at different time points, which involves time series analysis and statistical comparison, can accurately track the dynamic changes in the hardness of the patient's corpus cavernosum, and provide an objective and quantitative basis for evaluating the treatment effect and disease progression; through time series analysis, the changing trend of the patient's elastic parameters over time can be clearly displayed, and statistical comparison can accurately determine whether there are significant differences between different time points, thereby ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the evaluation results, which helps doctors to adjust treatment plans in a timely manner and optimize individualized treatment strategies.

[0043] Furthermore, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted in combination with the patient's subjective assessment questionnaire, including the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, to improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the diagnosis.

[0044] Furthermore, it also includes: real-time dynamic monitoring function, which enables patients to observe the hardness changes of the corpus cavernosum in real time during the test. Real-time dynamic monitoring technology can help doctors understand the functional status of the corpus cavernosum more intuitively, and promptly discover and deal with abnormal situations.

[0045] From the above, we can see that by introducing the real-time dynamic monitoring function, patients and doctors can observe the changes in the hardness of the corpus cavernosum in real time. This technology greatly improves the immediacy and accuracy of diagnosis. Through real-time dynamic monitoring, doctors can intuitively understand the functional status of the corpus cavernosum and promptly capture subtle abnormalities in hardness changes, so as to quickly make a diagnosis and take appropriate treatment measures. This not only helps to avoid delays in the disease, but also provides patients with more timely and effective treatment, significantly improving patients' diagnosis and treatment experience and treatment effects.

[0046] Furthermore, it also includes comparing the elasticity parameters of the normal control group and ED patients, constructing elasticity parameter intervals of different grades, and providing a basis for the accurate diagnosis of ED.

[0047] Furthermore, the elastic parameters were processed by statistical analysis software to calculate the mean, standard deviation and t-test results, and the differences between the groups were evaluated to ensure the objectivity and reliability of the evaluation results.

[0048] Furthermore, it also includes: using three-dimensional reconstruction technology to convert two-dimensional shear wave elastic imaging data into a three-dimensional image, so that the doctor can more intuitively observe the three-dimensional structure and hardness distribution of the corpus cavernosum of the penis; at the same time, combined with visualization technology, the hardness assessment results are presented to patients and doctors in an intuitive manner, which helps patients better understand their condition and enhances communication and understanding between doctors and patients. The steps of the three-dimensional reconstruction technology are as follows: suppose I1 and I2 are two images to be registered, F1 and F2 are feature point sets extracted from I1 and I2 respectively, then the registration process can be expressed as solving a transformation matrix T, so that F1 is aligned with F2 after T transformation.

[0049] From the above, we can see that the use of three-dimensional reconstruction technology to convert two-dimensional shear wave elastography data into three-dimensional images, and combined with visualization technology to present the hardness assessment results, allows doctors to more intuitively observe the three-dimensional structure and hardness distribution of the corpus cavernosum of the penis, while patients can also clearly understand their condition. This not only enhances communication and understanding between doctors and patients, but also improves the accuracy of diagnosis and patient satisfaction, providing strong support for the precise treatment of erectile dysfunction.

[0050] Furthermore, the effect of the method for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of a patient with erectile dysfunction using shear wave elastography in the embodiment is compared with the traditional method for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of the penis (comparative example), and the following table is obtained:

[0051]

[0052] It can be seen from the above table:

[0053] 1) Traditional evaluation methods mainly rely on the doctor's palpation and the patient's subjective feelings, so their objectivity is low; while the shear wave elastography technology evaluation method uses instruments and algorithms to perform objective evaluation, reducing human intervention.

[0054] 2) Traditional evaluation methods can usually only provide qualitative evaluation results; while the shear wave elastography technology evaluation method can obtain multiple elastic parameters and provide quantitative evaluation results.

[0055] 3) Traditional evaluation methods require a long time and more human resources; while the shear wave elastography technology evaluation method significantly improves the evaluation efficiency through automated analysis and processing.

[0056] 4) Traditional evaluation methods are greatly affected by doctors’ experience and subjective judgment, and the evaluation results may be uncertain; while the shear wave elastography technology evaluation method is less affected by algorithms and instruments, and the evaluation results are more accurate and reliable.

[0057] 5) Traditional evaluation methods lack intuitive visualization methods; the shear wave elastography technology evaluation method uses three-dimensional reconstruction and visualization technology to enable doctors to intuitively observe the three-dimensional structure and hardness distribution of the corpus cavernosum of the penis, and patients can also clearly understand their condition.

[0058] 6) Traditional assessment methods usually only involve doctors' assessment of the patient's condition, and patient participation is low; while the shear wave elastography technology assessment method uses visualization technology to enable patients to intuitively understand their condition, thereby enhancing patient participation and understanding of their condition.

[0059] The embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, which is applicable to the above-mentioned method of evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of a patient with erectile dysfunction (ED) by using shear wave elastography technology, comprising:

[0060] Memory, used to protect computer programs and data;

[0061] Processor, used to run system programs.

[0062] An embodiment of the present application provides a computer storage medium, which is applicable to the above-mentioned method of evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of a patient with erectile dysfunction (ED) using shear wave elastography technology, and performs hierarchical confidentiality management on the above-mentioned system and data in accordance with confidentiality management requirements.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application may be provided as a system or a computer program product. Therefore, the present application may adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment in combination with software and hardware. Moreover, the present application may adopt the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) that contain computer-usable program code.

[0064] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the devices (systems) and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to generate a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0065] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory capable of directing a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture comprising an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A function specified in one or more boxes.

[0066] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions for implementing the process. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps for the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0067] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPU), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0068] The memory may include non-permanent memory in a computer-readable medium, random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory in the form of read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. The memory is an example of a computer-readable medium.

[0069] Computer readable media include permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media, and can be implemented by any method or technology to store information. Information can be computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices or any other non-transmission media that can be used to store information that can be accessed by a computing device. As defined herein, computer readable media does not include temporary computer readable media (transitory media), such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0070] It should also be noted that the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, commodity or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, commodity or device. In the absence of more restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprises a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, commodity or device including the elements.

[0071] The embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and description. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and cannot be understood as limitations of the present invention. Ordinary technicians in this field can change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of a patient with erectile dysfunction using shear wave elastography, characterized in that: include: The corpus cavernosum of ED patients was imaged using high-frequency ultrasound diagnostic equipment, and the elastic parameters of the corpus cavernosum were obtained using shear wave elastography. The hardness of the corpus cavernosum was evaluated based on the obtained elastic parameters.

2. A method for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of a patient with erectile dysfunction using shear wave elastography as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The shear wave elastography technique tracks shear wave propagation in real time and calculates the elastic modulus.

3. A method for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of a patient with erectile dysfunction using shear wave elastography as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: Deep learning or machine learning algorithms are introduced to automatically analyze and process shear wave elastography data, that is, by training the algorithm model, automatic recognition and classification of the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of the penis can be achieved.

4. A method for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of a patient with erectile dysfunction using shear wave elastography as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic parameters include shear wave velocity, average strain rate, maximum strain rate and minimum strain rate, which fully reflect the elastic characteristics of the corpus cavernosum.

5. A method for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of a patient with erectile dysfunction using shear wave elastography as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The criteria for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum are classified and graded according to the patient's age, gender and underlying disease.

6. A method for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of a patient with erectile dysfunction using shear wave elastography as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes multiple tests on the same patient and comparison of changes in elastic parameters at different time points.

7. A method for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of a patient with erectile dysfunction using shear wave elastography as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The real-time dynamic monitoring function enables patients to observe the changes in the hardness of the corpus cavernosum in real time during the test. The real-time dynamic monitoring technology can help doctors understand the functional status of the corpus cavernosum more intuitively and detect and deal with abnormal situations in a timely manner.

8. A method for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of a patient with erectile dysfunction using shear wave elastography as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes comparison of elastic parameters between normal control group and ED patients, and construction of elastic parameter intervals of different grades to provide a basis for accurate diagnosis of ED.

9. A method for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of a patient with erectile dysfunction using shear wave elastography as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: Statistical analysis software was used to process the elastic parameters, calculate the mean, standard deviation and t-test results, evaluate the differences between groups, and ensure the objectivity and reliability of the evaluation results.

10. A method for evaluating the hardness of the corpus cavernosum of a patient with erectile dysfunction using shear wave elastography as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: Using three-dimensional reconstruction technology, the two-dimensional shear wave elastic imaging data is converted into a three-dimensional image, allowing doctors to more intuitively observe the three-dimensional structure and hardness distribution of the corpus cavernosum of the penis; At the same time, combined with visualization technology, the hardness assessment results can be presented to patients and doctors in an intuitive way.

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