Stretchable Ultrasound 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 musculoskeletal injuries.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable and flexible ultrasound imaging device with a one-dimensional array of transducer elements that allows for non-invasive, serial elastographic measurements, using coherent compounding imaging to enhance signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio, and solving an inverse elasticity problem for accurate modulus distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive methods are used for tissue mechanical characterization, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and patient comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical measurement systems with non-invasive ultrasonic elastography. The system uses ultrasound waves to measure tissue mechanical properties through acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) and shear wave elastography, eliminating the need for physical contact or injection while maintaining measurement accuracy for tissue modulus characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ultrasound waves as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure tissue mechanical properties. Instead of directly contacting or penetrating tissue, the system uses acoustic waves to probe tissue stiffness through wave propagation characteristics, providing non-invasive measurement with sufficient precision for clinical diagnosis.
2Ease of operation
If existing non-invasive methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but penetration depth and spatial resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic ultrasonic imaging with real-time adjustment of imaging parameters to optimize penetration depth and spatial resolution. The system dynamically adapts focal depth, gain settings, and frame rates based on tissue depth and desired resolution, enabling non-invasive measurement with improved precision at varying depths up to 15 cm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements region-specific optimization where different imaging parameters are applied to different tissue depths and regions. The system adjusts focal zones, bandwidth, and processing algorithms locally to maximize spatial resolution at shallow depths while maintaining adequate penetration depth for deeper tissues, providing tailored measurement quality for each anatomical region.
3Reliability
If frequent monitoring is performed, then disease progression tracking is improved, but loss of time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous or near-continuous monitoring through rapid ultrasonic imaging capable of acquiring multiple frames per second. This allows frequent assessment of tissue mechanical properties over time to track disease progression, with the ability to perform multiple measurements in minutes rather than hours, significantly reducing time loss while maintaining reliable tracking accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If existing methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and monitoring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple measurement functions into a single ultrasonic elastography system that can perform B-mode imaging, ARFI elastography, and shear wave elastography using the same transducer array. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive tissue modulus mapping with high precision while managing device complexity through shared hardware resources and integrated processing algorithms.
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, serial monitoring of tissue mechanical properties, providing high spatial and contrast resolution, and enabling early detection of muscle injuries and disease progression.
Implementation Method 1
transducer elements to transmit ultrasound waves into the individual
Implementation Method 2
A first series of ultrasound waves are received from the tissue in the individual using the transducer elements
Implementation Method 3
applying a strain to the tissue by compression
Implementation Method 4
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.