Ultrasound Shear Wave Viscosity Index
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for evaluating viscoelasticity of tissues in the human body rely on physical models, leading to variability in viscosity index values and inconsistent results between phantoms and human subjects.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus that calculates an index value for viscosity based on the frequency dependency of shear wave velocity, independent of physical models, by detecting and analyzing shear waves using a processing circuitry that estimates displacements and calculates phase velocity values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If physical models (Maxwell model, Voigt model, three-element model, multi-dimensional Maxwell model) are used to evaluate viscoelasticity, then the evaluation process can be simplified, but the viscosity index values vary due to model differences and results become inconsistent between phantoms and human subjects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from model-dependent viscosity index to model-independent shear wave velocity. By measuring the propagation velocity of shear waves through the tissue and comparing it with calibration data obtained from phantoms with known viscosity values, the system directly determines tissue viscosity without requiring physical models. This parameter change eliminates model selection variability and achieves consistent results between phantom and human subject measurements.
2Device complexity
If model-dependent methods are used for viscosity evaluation, then the computational complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the evaluation results decreases due to model assumptions not matching actual tissue behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical modeling approach (using physical models like Maxwell and Voigt models to represent tissue viscoelasticity) with a wave propagation measurement approach. Instead of fitting tissue behavior to theoretical models, the system measures shear wave velocity directly and uses this measurement with calibration data to determine viscosity. This substitution eliminates the need for model assumptions and improves reliability while maintaining computational simplicity.
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 allows for accurate evaluation of tissue viscosity in the human body, providing a model-independent index value that reflects actual viscoelastic characteristics, improving diagnostic accuracy and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) process by which displacements based on a shear wave are caused by applying an acoustic radiation force to a tissue in a human body
Data Source
AI summary
An analyzing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to detect a shear wave propagating in an object. The processing circuitry is configured to calculate an index value that indicates viscosity within the object and that is not dependent on any physical model related to viscoelasticity, by analyzing the detected shear wave.