Tissue Anisotropy Measurement via Acoustic Radiation Force Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring tissue anisotropy using acoustic radiation force-based ultrasound imaging are challenging due to the difficulty in accurately measuring shear wave propagation, which is affected by structures like arteries and veins, and requires multiple frames and complex computations.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing acoustic radiation force-based ultrasound or other force-producing techniques to assess material anisotropy by applying forces in different directions and measuring resulting displacements, allowing for the calculation of anisotropy without the need for transducer rotation, using standard ultrasound scanners and one-dimensional or two-dimensional transducers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional shear wave velocity measurement methods are used, then tissue elasticity can be measured, but the measurement process becomes computationally expensive and complex due to requiring multiple frames and tracking wave propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement of tissue displacement directly at the force application point, rather than tracking the propagating shear wave through multiple frames. By taking out the wave propagation tracking step and directly measuring displacement at the excitation location, the method eliminates the need for complex multi-frame analysis while maintaining elasticity measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a predetermined force pattern (acoustic radiation force) to the tissue and directly measures the resulting displacement. By performing the force application and displacement measurement as a preliminary direct action rather than tracking wave propagation afterward, the method simplifies the measurement process and reduces computational requirements
2Measurement precision
If shear wave propagation is tracked to measure elasticity, then tissue mechanical properties can be assessed, but the measurement is affected by anatomical structures such as arteries, veins, and bone boundaries that channel and reflect waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement to the force application point itself, measuring displacement directly where the acoustic radiation force is applied. By taking out the measurement from the propagating wave path and locating it at the excitation source, the method eliminates interference from anatomical structures that would otherwise channel or reflect the shear waves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic radiation force as an intermediary mechanism to induce localized displacement. Instead of relying on shear wave propagation through complex anatomical pathways, the acoustic radiation force directly produces measurable displacement at the target location, bypassing the harmful effects of anatomical structures on wave propagation
3Ease of manufacture
If a linear array transducer is used for anisotropy measurement, then standard ultrasound equipment can be utilized, but a 90 degree rotation of the transducer or sample is required which may lead to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures tissue displacement in two orthogonal dimensions (lateral and elevational) simultaneously using the linear array transducer. By utilizing another dimension (the elevational direction) in addition to the lateral direction, the method eliminates the need for physical rotation of the transducer while still capturing anisotropy information from multiple orientations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the linear array transducer multi-functional by using it to measure displacement in both lateral and elevational directions without requiring physical repositioning. This universal approach allows a single transducer configuration to perform measurements that would otherwise require multiple transducer orientations or a 2D matrix array
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 accurate and efficient measurement of tissue anisotropy in skeletal muscle, kidney, and other organ systems, providing a diagnostic metric for pathology detection with improved precision and reduced computational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
This technology utilizes acoustic radiation force based ultrasound or other force-producing techniques to excite tissue or materials and uses the resulting displacements
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for taking measurements of a material, including determining material anisotropy, are provided. According to one aspect, a method for determining tissue anisotropy comprises: applying, to a tissue sample, a first force having a direction and having a coronal plane normal to the direction of the force, the first force having an oval or other profile with long and short axes within the coronal plane, the long axis being oriented in a first direction within the coronal plane, and measuring a first displacement of the tissue; applying, to the tissue sample, a second force, and measuring a second displacement of the tissue; and calculating a tissue elasticity anisotropy based on the measured first and second displacements. Furthermore, by applying the first and second forces multiple times, tissue viscosity, elasticity, or other anisotropy may be calculated from the multiple displacement measurements.