Multimodal Cervical Imaging for Sensitive Preterm Risk Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound technologies fail to accurately detect expectant mothers at risk of preterm birth, as less than 40% of preterm deliveries are diagnosed through cervical length measurement alone, necessitating a more sensitive and accurate diagnostic modality.
Innovation Solution
A multi-modal imaging system combining ultrasound, photoacoustic, and viscoelastic imaging is used to assess cervical tissue characteristics, including collagen organization, water content, tissue hydration, and oxygenation, providing real-time biomarker data to predict preterm delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasound imaging is used to measure cervical length, then the procedure is simple and quick, but the detection sensitivity is low (less than 40% of preterm deliveries are diagnosed)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (ultrasound, photoacoustic, and viscoelastic imaging) into a single integrated system. The ultrasound component provides anatomical structure information, photoacoustic imaging adds functional information about tissue composition (collagen, water content, oxygenation), and viscoelastic imaging contributes biomechanical properties. This merging of modalities enables comprehensive cervical assessment with high detection sensitivity while maintaining a unified device platform
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single probe device. It can simultaneously or sequentially acquire ultrasound images for anatomical measurement, photoacoustic signals for tissue composition analysis, and viscoelastic data for biomechanical characterization. This multi-functionality allows the system to detect multiple biomarkers (cervical length, collagen organization, water content, tissue hydration, oxygenation) without requiring separate devices, thereby improving detection sensitivity while managing complexity
2Measurement precision
If additional biomarker data is collected beyond cervical length, then detection accuracy improves, but scanning time and patient discomfort may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs ultrasound, photoacoustic, and viscoelastic imaging in a continuous or near-continuous manner during a single probe insertion. The multiple imaging modalities are coordinated to acquire data simultaneously or in rapid succession, ensuring that all biomarker measurements (cervical length, tissue composition, biomechanical properties) are obtained during one uninterrupted scanning session. This continuity minimizes the total scanning time while maximizing the information gathered
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-dimensional cervical length measurement to multi-dimensional assessment by incorporating functional (photoacoustic) and biomechanical (viscoelastic) dimensions. Photoacoustic imaging adds information about tissue composition (collagen, water, oxygenation) that complements the anatomical ultrasound data. Viscoelastic imaging contributes dynamic biomechanical properties. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive risk assessment without proportionally increasing scanning time
3Reliability
If multiple imaging modalities are integrated, then false positives are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates ultrasound, photoacoustic, and viscoelastic imaging modalities into a single coordinated system with unified control and data processing. The multiple modalities work synergistically to assess cervical risk from different physiological perspectives (anatomical, functional, biomechanical). By merging these modalities rather than using them separately, the system reduces false positives through cross-validation of biomarkers while managing complexity through integrated hardware and software architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where data from one imaging modality informs the acquisition and interpretation of data from other modalities. For example, ultrasound-identified regions of interest can guide photoacoustic and viscoelastic imaging to focus on specific cervical areas. The processed results from multiple modalities are integrated to produce a comprehensive risk assessment with reduced false positives, as contradictory findings can be identified and resolved through cross-modal validation
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
The multi-modal imaging system enhances detection sensitivity and reduces false positives by acquiring additional biomarker data beyond cervical length, enabling early identification of preterm delivery risks without increasing discomfort or scanning time.
Implementation Method 1
transmit a plurality of (ultrasound) US signals (i.e., waves) from the probe device toward a cervix... receive, into the probe device, a plurality of wave signals including reflected US wave signals
Implementation Method 2
transmit... (photoacoustic) PA signals (i.e., safe laser excitation pulses)... wherein the transmitted PA signals comprise short and safe laser pulses... generate one or more images of the cervix and information indicative of tissue characteristic information
Implementation Method 3
generated VE wave signals through use of the cervix as a VE medium
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and system are described for multi-modal, multi-parametric, non-invasive, and real-time assessment of cervical tissue through a multi-modal probe device for use within a vaginal canal and an associated imaging system to assess a risk of preterm delivery of an expectant mother. The multi-modal system may include ultrasound (US) imaging, viscoelastic (VE) imaging, and/or photoacoustic (PA) imaging of the cervical issue to determine cervical biomarker information indicative of parameters including, but not limited to, a collagen to water ratio such that a more water dominant ratio is indicative of a risk of preterm delivery.