Electrical Impedance Scanning for Breast Mass Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast cancer detection methods, particularly for young women under 50, face challenges in differentiating normal breast tissue from tumors without radiation, are costly, and have limitations in sensitivity and specificity, especially in differentiating benign from malignant growths.
Innovation Solution
An improved electrical impedance scanning method using a complex waveform with even and odd harmonics across multiple frequencies to differentiate benign and malignant breast masses by analyzing changes in dielectric properties through phase and amplitude shifts, avoiding the need for absolute capacitance and resistance measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mammography is used for breast cancer screening, then detection capability is improved, but radiation exposure increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radiological detection system (mammography) with an electrical impedance-based detection system. Instead of using ionizing radiation to image breast tissue, the invention uses electrical signals to measure impedance characteristics, thereby eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining detection capability for breast abnormalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from radiological absorption (mammography) to electrical impedance characteristics. By measuring impedance magnitude and phase across multiple frequencies, the system detects tissue abnormalities without requiring radiation, thus resolving the contradiction between detection capability and radiation exposure.
2Device complexity
If traditional single-frequency impedance measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the impedance measurement into multiple frequency components rather than using a single frequency. By applying a complex waveform containing multiple frequencies and analyzing the impedance response at each frequency component, the system achieves superior tissue differentiation precision while keeping the device architecture relatively simple through software-based spectral analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses periodic complex waveforms (such as square waves or multi-frequency sinusoidal sequences) to stimulate the tissue and measures the impedance response over time. This periodic excitation allows extraction of impedance characteristics at multiple frequencies, improving measurement precision without requiring multiple separate measurement systems.
3Ease of operation
If absolute capacitance and resistance measurements are used, then measurement simplicity is improved, but differentiation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement approach from absolute impedance magnitude to phase angle measurement. By focusing on the phase component of the impedance response rather than absolute magnitude, the system achieves better differentiation between benign and malignant tissues. This parameter transformation maintains operational simplicity while significantly improving diagnostic precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of measuring all impedance parameters (magnitude and phase at multiple frequencies), the invention selectively uses the phase angle information which provides superior differentiation capability. This partial measurement approach maintains ease of operation while achieving the excessive precision needed for reliable benign vs malignant differentiation.
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
This method provides a non-radiation, low-cost diagnostic tool that effectively differentiates benign from malignant tissue, reduces false positives, and allows for tracking of tumor changes over time, enhancing early detection and treatment assessment.
Implementation Method 1
Breasts can be examined using an electrical impedance scanning method
Implementation Method 2
differentiate benign and malignant breast masses by analyzing changes in dielectric properties through phase and amplitude shifts
Data Source
AI summary
A device is described for measuring electrical characteristics of biological tissues with plurality of electrodes and a processor controlling the stimulation and measurement in order to detect the presence of abnormal tissue masses in the breast and determine probability of tumors containing malignant cancer cells being present in a breast. The device has the capability of providing the location of the abnormality, at least to the quadrant. The method for measuring electrical characteristics includes placing electrodes and applying a voltage waveform in conjunction with a current detector. A mathematical analysis method is then applied to the collected data, which computes spectrum of frequencies and correlates magnitudes and phases with given algebraic conditions to determine mass presence and type.