Electrical Impedance Scanning for Breast Mass Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast cancer detection methods, particularly mammography, are ineffective for women under 50 due to radiation risks and difficulty differentiating breast tissue from tumors, and there is a need for a low-cost, non-radiation diagnostic tool that can accurately detect and characterize benign and malignant masses.
Innovation Solution
An electrical impedance scanning method using a complex waveform with even and odd harmonics across multiple frequencies to differentiate tissue characteristics, allowing for the detection and characterization of breast masses without measuring absolute capacitance and resistance values, and enabling three-dimensional reconstruction of breast tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mammography is used for breast cancer detection, then detection capability is improved, but radiation exposure increases and tissue differentiation becomes difficult for women under 50
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic radiation-based mammography system with an electrical impedance-based detection system. The impedance scanning device uses electrical signals to probe tissue properties, fundamentally substituting the detection mechanism to eliminate radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic capability through measurement of electrical properties (impedance, capacitance, resistance) that differ between healthy and malignant tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from radiation absorption (mammography) to electrical impedance characteristics. By measuring impedance magnitude and phase across multiple frequencies, the system exploits the different electrical properties of benign versus malignant tissues, enabling detection without radiation through parameter transformation
2Measurement precision
If mammography is used for breast cancer detection, then detection capability is improved, but ability to differentiate tissue types deteriorates for women under 50
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the detection approach by changing from radiation-based imaging to electrical impedance measurement. This parameter change enables differentiation of breast tissue types based on their distinct electrical properties (capacitance, resistance, impedance phase) rather than radiographic density, which is insufficient for women with dense breast tissue under 50
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the radiographic imaging mechanism with electrical impedance scanning, replacing a system that relies on tissue density contrast with one that measures electrical property differences. This substitution enables superior tissue characterization by exploiting the fundamentally different electrical behavior of epithelial, stromal, and malignant tissues
3Measurement precision
If electrical impedance scanning with multiple frequencies is used, then tissue characterization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using multiple frequency signals in a systematic sequence to probe tissue at different depths and characteristics. The impedance scanning device applies sinusoidal signals at various frequencies periodically, allowing comprehensive tissue characterization through frequency-dependent impedance measurements without requiring overly complex simultaneous multi-frequency processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the frequency dimension to the impedance measurement, transforming a single-point measurement into a spectral analysis. By measuring impedance across multiple frequencies, the system extracts additional tissue information (capacitance, resistance, cell membrane properties) without proportionally increasing hardware complexity, as the same electrodes and circuitry are reused at different frequencies
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 effectively differentiates benign and malignant breast masses by analyzing phase and amplitude changes across frequencies, reducing radiation exposure and providing a low-cost, accurate diagnostic tool for breast cancer detection and treatment monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
Electrical impedance techniques in tissue-mass detection and characterization... The amplitude and phase of several harmonics within a range of frequencies creates a signature of the breast growths allowing differentiation of benign and malignant masses
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 organs. Examples of suitable organs are the breast, skin, oral cavity, lung, liver, colon, rectum, cervix, and prostate and determine probability of tumors containing malignant cancer cells being present in tissue. The approach can also be applied to biopsied tissue samples. The device has the capability of providing the location of the abnormality. 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.