Shear Wave Dispersion Analysis for Concentration Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies are inadequate in determining the distribution of sonically dispersive elements within a subject, such as particles or blood vessels, which is crucial for diagnostic purposes and understanding tissue microstructure.
Innovation Solution
A medical apparatus and method that uses shear wave data from at least two frequencies to determine mechanical properties and concentration distribution of sonically dispersive elements, employing a power law relationship and calibration data, with the ability to generate shear waves using vibration systems and acquire data through medical imaging systems like ultrasound or MRI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current medical imaging technologies are used, then imaging capability is maintained, but the ability to determine concentration distribution of sonically dispersive elements is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from standard imaging parameters to shear wave propagation parameters at multiple frequencies. By measuring mechanical properties (shear modulus, viscosity) through shear wave analysis at different frequencies, the system can determine the concentration distribution of sonically dispersive elements, thereby improving measurement precision for diagnostic purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces shear waves as an intermediary physical phenomenon to indirectly measure the concentration distribution of sonically dispersive elements. Instead of directly imaging the elements, the system uses shear wave propagation characteristics (attenuation, speed) as a mediator to infer the concentration distribution, enabling capabilities beyond direct imaging.
2Measurement precision
If shear wave data at multiple frequencies is collected, then concentration distribution determination is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the medical imaging system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both standard imaging and shear wave-based mechanical property measurement. The same imaging system can operate in different modes: conventional imaging mode and shear wave analysis mode, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring entirely separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic shear wave excitation at multiple frequencies to measure mechanical properties. By applying periodic vibrations at different frequencies and analyzing the resulting shear wave propagation, the system can extract concentration distribution information while using a systematic, repeatable measurement protocol that manages complexity.
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 non-invasive measurement of shear wave propagation to determine the concentration and distribution of sonically dispersive elements, providing valuable information for diagnostic and research purposes, including detecting particles or blood vessels within a subject.
Implementation Method 1
The vibration system is operable for inducing shear waves in the subject
Implementation Method 2
receive shear wave data descriptive of the propagation of shear waves within the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A medical apparatus (200, 300, 400, 500) determines the concentration distribution of sonically dispersive elements (606, 2001) within a subject (306, 604, 1004), wherein the medical apparatus comprises: a memory (212) for storing machine executable instructions (224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 318) and a processor (206) for executing the machine executable instructions. Execution of the instructions cause the processor to: receive (100) shear wave data (214) descriptive of the propagation of shear waves (310, 608, 1118) within the subject for at least two frequencies; determine (102) a mechanical property (316, 618, 620) of the subject using the shear wave data at each of the at least two frequencies; determine (104) a power law relationship (218, 702) between the at least two frequencies and the mechanical property; and determine (106) the concentration distribution of the sonically dispersive elements within the subject using the power law relationship and calibration data (222, 704, 800).