Multi-parametric Ultrasound Imaging for Prostate Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging techniques, such as standard TRUS, struggle to accurately differentiate malignant tissue from healthy tissue due to isoechoic issues and speckle interference, leading to high false negative rates in prostate cancer detection and treatment, especially when relying solely on pre-acquired images from different modalities like MRI or CT that require separate procedures and complex registration.
Innovation Solution
A multi-parametric ultrasound (mpUS) system that integrates standard B-mode, elastography, Doppler, and photo-acoustic tomography imaging during a single procedure, using a robotic arm for precise probe control and automatic image fusion to generate 3D volumes, allowing for real-time detection and guidance of suspicious regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard TRUS imaging is used, then the procedure is simple and low-cost, but tissue contrast is insufficient and false negative rates are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ultrasound imaging modalities (B-mode, elastography, Doppler, photo-acoustic) into a single integrated mpUS system. This merging allows the system to achieve enhanced tissue contrast and detection accuracy by synthesizing information from different imaging techniques, while maintaining a unified device structure that operates through a single probe insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasound probe is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating capabilities for B-mode imaging, elastography, Doppler flow measurement, and photo-acoustic detection. This universal probe can perform multiple diagnostic functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate procedures and reducing overall system complexity while improving detection reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple imaging modalities (MRI, CT) are combined with TRUS, then tissue contrast improves, but the procedure becomes complex requiring separate sessions and registration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging modalities into a single integrated ultrasound system that can acquire all necessary data during one procedure. By combining B-mode, elastography, Doppler, and photo-acoustic capabilities in one device, the system eliminates the need for separate MRI or CT sessions while maintaining enhanced tissue contrast through multi-parametric data synthesis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-registration by acquiring all imaging modalities through the same ultrasound probe in a single insertion, eliminating the need for complex registration algorithms to align separate procedures. The probe's built-in positioning and real-time imaging capabilities allow automatic spatial registration of all modalities without requiring external reference frames or post-processing alignment.
3Reliability
If multiple imaging modalities are used, then detection accuracy improves, but the time required for multiple sessions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous acquisition of multiple imaging modalities during a single uninterrupted probe insertion. The system continuously captures B-mode images, elastography data, Doppler signals, and photo-acoustic signals in real-time, eliminating the need for patients to undergo separate procedures at different time points, thus reducing total time loss while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of all necessary imaging data during the initial probe insertion before any biopsy or therapy is performed. By pre-acquiring multi-modal images and establishing the complete imaging dataset upfront, the system eliminates the need for subsequent separate imaging sessions and streamlines the entire diagnostic and treatment workflow.
4Reliability
If manual probe manipulation is used, then adaptability is high, but image registration reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual probe manipulation with an automated robotic positioning system that precisely controls probe movement and orientation. This mechanical substitution ensures consistent and repeatable probe positioning across all imaging modalities, dramatically improving image registration accuracy while reducing the skill level and time required for operation compared to manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs self-positioning and self-registration by automatically tracking probe location and orientation throughout the procedure. The system's built-in sensors and control algorithms enable automatic alignment of all imaging modalities without requiring manual intervention or complex operator skills, thereby improving registration reliability while simplifying the operational process.
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 approach reduces the need for multiple imaging sessions, enhances tissue contrast, and improves the accuracy of biopsy and therapy targeting by providing a comprehensive 3D view of prostate anatomy, thereby reducing false negative rates and enabling more precise interventions.
Implementation Method 1
photo-acoustic tomography imaging
Implementation Method 2
elastography
Implementation Method 3
Doppler
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate obtaining two dimensional (2D) ultrasound images, using two or more ultrasound imaging modes or modalities, to generate 2D multi-parametric ultrasound (mpUS) images and/or to generate a three-dimensional (3D) mpUS image. The different ultrasound imaging modes acquire images in a common frame of reference during a single procedure to facilitate their registration. The mpUS images (i.e., 2D or 3D) may be used for enhanced detection of suspicious regions.