Stretchable Ultrasonic Arrays for 3D Deep-Tissue Modulus Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mechanical characterization of tissues are invasive, provide limited penetration depth or spatial resolution, and are not suitable for long-term monitoring, hindering timely detection and tracking of disease progression and rehabilitation.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable and flexible ultrasonic array that conforms to the body's curvature, enabling non-invasive, three-dimensional mapping of tissue modulus through a coherent compounding imaging strategy and solving an inverse elasticity problem to derive quantitative modulus distributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive methods are used for tissue mechanical characterization, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability and ease of operation deteriorate due to invasiveness and limited use duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical measurement systems with non-invasive ultrasonic elastography. The system uses ultrasonic waves to measure tissue displacement and strain, eliminating the need for physical contact or insertion into tissue while maintaining measurement capability through acoustic wave propagation and reflection principles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct mechanical contact to ultrasonic wave propagation characteristics. By measuring changes in ultrasonic wave speed, reflection, and displacement caused by tissue mechanical properties, the system achieves accurate modulus measurement without invasive procedures
2Ease of operation
If conventional ultrasonic methods are used, then non-invasive operation is achieved, but measurement precision and spatial resolution worsen due to limited penetration depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional ultrasonic imaging to three-dimensional elastographic mapping. By incorporating depth information and creating volumetric modulus distributions, the system achieves improved spatial resolution and penetration depth while maintaining non-invasive operation through advanced signal processing and inverse elasticity problem solving
3Loss of information
If frequent tissue examinations are performed, then disease progression tracking is improved, but loss of time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-contained, portable ultrasonic elastography devices that can be deployed at the point of care without requiring complex infrastructure or specialized facilities. The system performs autonomous tissue characterization and modulus mapping, eliminating the need for patients to travel to centralized facilities and reducing overall examination time and operational 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
The array provides accurate, non-invasive, and serial monitoring of tissue mechanical properties, detecting muscle injuries before symptoms arise and guiding therapeutic interventions, with high signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios, and improved spatial resolution.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasound waves are transmitted into the individual using the transducer elements. A first series of ultrasound waves are received from the tissue in the individual using the transducer elements
Implementation Method 2
A first series of ultrasound waves are received from the tissue in the individual using the transducer elements before applying a strain to the tissue by compression and a second series of ultrasound waves are received from the tissue
Implementation Method 3
Data from the first series of ultrasound waves is compared to data from the second series of ultrasound waves to obtain displacement data of the tissue from which strain data representing strain applied to the tissue is obtainable
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining mechanical properties of tissue in an individual includes attaching a stretchable and/or flexible ultrasound imaging device to the individual. The imaging device includes at least a one-dimensional array of transducer elements that transmit ultrasound waves into the individual. A first series of ultrasound waves are received from the tissue in the individual before applying a strain to the tissue by compression and a second series of ultrasound waves are received from the tissue after applying the compression to the tissue. Data from the first and second series of ultrasound waves are compared to obtain displacement data of the tissue from which strain data representing strain applied to the tissue is obtainable. A 2D image representing a 2D modulus distribution within the tissue is generated using the displacement data. One or more mechanical properties of the tissue is identified based on the 2D modulus distribution.