Multi-frequency Harmonic Acoustography for Tumor Margin Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for intra-operative tumor margin identification in surgical procedures are sub-optimal due to subjectivity, low sensitivity, limited depth of penetration, and lack of real-time high-resolution imaging, making it difficult to accurately differentiate between healthy and malignant tissues.
Innovation Solution
A compact vibro-acoustography system using multi-frequency harmonic acoustography with focused ultrasonic beams to detect mechanical properties of tissues through analysis of harmonics generated by non-linear tissue properties, providing real-time imaging and clear margin identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasound is used for intra-operative imaging, then real-time imaging capability is provided, but sensitivity and contrast are insufficient for accurate tumor boundary detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies mechanical vibration through ultrasonic excitation to induce acoustic emissions from tissue. By analyzing the vibration response at different frequencies, the system achieves high sensitivity and contrast in detecting tumor boundaries, overcoming the limitations of conventional ultrasound imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters by using multi-frequency ultrasonic excitation and analyzing acoustic emissions across a frequency spectrum. This parameter transformation from standard ultrasound imaging to acoustic emission spectroscopy enables superior sensitivity and contrast for tumor boundary detection.
2Measurement precision
If tactile feedback and manual palpation are used for tumor margin identification, then surgeon experience is utilized, but subjectivity and variability lead to inconsistent outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical tactile feedback system with an acoustic emission detection system. By substituting manual palpation with automated ultrasonic excitation and acoustic emission analysis, the system eliminates subjectivity and provides objective, quantitative tumor boundary identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue itself serves as the indicator by generating acoustic emissions in response to ultrasonic excitation. The tissue's mechanical properties directly produce the signal used for detection, eliminating the need for external contrast agents or dyes and providing objective measurement independent of surgeon variability.
3Measurement precision
If current imaging modalities are used, then some imaging capability is provided, but depth of penetration and resolution are insufficient for intra-operative use
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses acoustic emissions as an intermediary signal that bridges the gap between ultrasonic excitation and detectable tissue response. This intermediary mechanism enables deep tissue penetration while maintaining high spatial resolution, as the acoustic emissions originate from within the tissue volume and can be detected with high sensitivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and sensitive detection of tissue boundaries, allowing for precise removal of malignant tissues while preserving healthy ones, with the potential for miniaturization into a portable device for intra-operative use.
Implementation Method 1
focusing first and second ultrasonic waves at first and second frequencies from the transducer on the target tissue; wherein the first and second waves interfere at a focal plane within the target tissue such that the target tissue absorbs energy from the first and second waves and vibrates
Implementation Method 2
emits a third acoustic wave... analyzing the third acoustic wave to evaluate one or more mechanical properties of the target tissue
Implementation Method 3
a focused confocal transducer having at least one piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 4
detecting the third acoustic wave with a hydrophone
Data Source
AI summary
A vibro-acoustography imaging system that generates a map of the mechanical response of a target to an acoustic radiation force, usually in low kHz range by a confocal geometry. The system generates two focused sinusoidal beams to produce a stress field at the beat frequency, which is a function of vibration and acoustic emissions field in terms of mechanical properties. A highly sensitive hydrophone is then used for detection of the acoustic emissions field, the amplitude of which may be correlated to the mechanical properties of the target tissue.