Hybrid Elastography Probe for Viscoelastic Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Harmonic and transient elastography techniques rely on traditional imaging methods that require significant expertise and do not ensure optimal localization of shear wave propagation, leading to invalid measurements, especially in the presence of liquid interfaces or incorrect probe positioning.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid elastography method combining continuous low-frequency vibration and low-frequency pulse techniques, where the continuous vibration is used to verify probe positioning and generate an elastic wave, and the low-frequency pulse generates a transient shear wave for precise viscoelastic property measurement, allowing for real-time validation of measurement validity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional imaging methods are used to guide elastography measurements, then operator expertise is required and positioning is difficult to validate, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to incorrect probe positioning and liquid interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines harmonic elastography and transient elastography into a single integrated system. The harmonic component provides real-time feedback on probe positioning and tissue contact quality, while the transient component performs the actual elasticity measurement. This merging eliminates the need for separate traditional imaging guidance systems and reduces operator expertise requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmonic elastography component continuously monitors tissue response and provides real-time feedback on probe positioning quality, tissue contact, and potential liquid interfaces. This feedback mechanism allows automatic validation of measurement conditions before executing transient elastography, ensuring reliable positioning without requiring expert operator judgment.
2Reliability
If continuous vibration is used to guide probe positioning, then positioning validation is improved, but measurement time increases due to additional acquisition steps
Solution Approach 1:
The harmonic elastography measurement is performed first as a preliminary step to validate probe positioning, assess tissue contact quality, and detect liquid interfaces. Only after successful validation does the system proceed to the transient elastography measurement. This preliminary action prevents wasted time on invalid measurements and ensures reliability from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic harmonic vibration at the probe resonance frequency to continuously monitor tissue response during the positioning phase. This periodic action provides rapid, real-time feedback on positioning quality without requiring prolonged measurement periods, thus minimizing time loss while ensuring reliability.
3Productivity
If compression waves and shear waves are generated simultaneously, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to systematic errors from wave superposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wave generation process into two distinct phases: first, harmonic vibration establishes tissue resonance and validates positioning; second, transient shear wave generation occurs after compression waves have dissipated. This temporal segmentation eliminates wave superposition errors while maintaining measurement efficiency through the preliminary validation step.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmonic vibration phase acts as a preliminary anti-action that prepares the tissue and validates positioning before the actual transient measurement. By establishing tissue resonance and confirming proper probe contact in advance, the system prevents the harmful effect of wave superposition from occurring during the measurement phase, thereby ensuring accuracy without sacrificing productivity.
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 reliable and reproducible measurement of viscoelastic properties with improved probe positioning accuracy, reducing errors from superimposed compression and shear waves, and facilitating use in devices of small size and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
application, using a first vibrator comprised in a probe in contact with a viscoelastic medium, of a continuous low frequency vibration and generation, using an ultrasonic transducer in contact with the viscoelastic medium, of a first series of ultrasonic acquisitions
Implementation Method 2
generation, using an ultrasonic transducer in contact with the viscoelastic medium, of a first series of ultrasonic acquisitions
Implementation Method 3
application, using a second vibrator comprised in the probe in contact with a viscoelastic medium, of a low frequency pulse and generation, using the ultrasonic transducer, of a second series of ultrasonic acquisitions, the ultrasonic acquisitions composing the second series being generated with a second repetition rate, the low frequency pulse generating a transient shear wave propagating within the viscoelastic medium
Implementation Method 4
The invention belongs to the field of elastography for determining the viscoelastic properties of a viscoelastic medium having an ultrasonic signal after ultrasonic illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid elastography method includes application of a continuous low frequency vibration and generation, using an ultrasonic transducer in contact with the viscoelastic medium, of a first series of ultrasonic acquisitions, the first series of ultrasonic acquisitions including groups of ultrasonic acquisitions, the groups of ultrasonic acquisitions being generated with a first repetition rate, each group of ultrasonic acquisitions including at least one acquisition, the continuous vibration generating an elastic wave within the viscoelastic medium; application of a low frequency pulse and generation, using the ultrasonic transducer, of a second series of ultrasonic acquisitions, the ultrasonic acquisitions composing the second series being generated with a second repetition rate, the low frequency pulse generating a transient shear wave propagating within the viscoelastic medium; the continuous vibration applied by the first vibrator being stopped before the application of the low frequency pulse.