Elasticity Detection Probe for Tissue Shear Wave Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional elasticity detection methods for biological tissues are prone to inaccuracies due to the difficulty in ensuring consistent measurement positions, leading to deviations in measurement results.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for elasticity detection that utilize a control host, an excitation device, and an ultrasonic transducer integrated into a probe, which periodically excites shear waves in the tissue and analyzes ultrasonic echo signals to calculate tissue elasticity parameters without the need for manual relocation of the probe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If multiple measurements are performed by manually relocating the probe, then measurement completeness is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to position deviation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement timeVSAvoidelasticity detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses image data as an intermediary to identify and mark measurement positions automatically. The system captures images of the tissue, automatically locates the region of interest, and uses these images as a reference to guide probe placement, eliminating manual position finding and ensuring consistent measurement locations across multiple measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of positioning the probe with an automated image processing and analysis system. The computer automatically identifies measurement positions based on tissue images and controls the probe placement, substituting human manual positioning with an automated visual recognition and control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual probe relocation is used for multiple measurements, then comprehensive tissue assessment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to repeated positioning difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement consistencyVSAvoidoperator workload
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-positioning by automatically analyzing tissue images to identify measurement locations. The computer vision system independently locates the tissue region of interest and determines optimal probe positions without requiring operator intervention or manual positioning skills, making the system self-sufficient in terms of position identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Tissue images serve as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the operator and the measurement process. Instead of directly manipulating the probe based on anatomical knowledge, the operator works with image data that automatically highlights measurement positions, simplifying the operational process while ensuring measurement consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 ensures accurate and consistent elasticity detection by maintaining the excitation device and ultrasonic transducer in contact with the tissue surface, reducing operator error and improving measurement efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

controlling an ultrasound transducer to transmit an ultrasound wave to the tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

receiving an ultrasonic echo signal corresponding to each of the shear waves by the ultrasonic transducer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEcho: Echo

Implementation Method 3

controlling an excitation device to periodically excite N shear waves in a tissue at a preset time interval

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShear wave generation: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3369382B1Elasticity detection method and device
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 WUXI HISKY MEDICAL TECH
  • EP3369382B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3369382B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Disclosed are a method and a device for elasticity detection. The method comprises: controlling an excitation device (2) to periodically excite N shear waves in a tissue at a preset time interval and controlling an ultrasonic transducer (3) to transmit ultrasonic waves (101) to the tissue, where the excitation device and the ultrasonic transducer are maintained in contact with a surface of the tissue; receiving, by the ultrasonic transducer (3), an ultrasonic echo signal (102) corresponding to each of the shear waves; acquiring a propagation characteristic parameter (103) of each of the shear waves according to the ultrasonic echo signal corresponding to each of the shear waves; calculating an elasticity parameter of the tissue (104) according to propagation characteristic parameters of the N shear waves and a tissue density of the tissue. The excitation device (2) and the ultrasonic transducer (3) are maintained in contact with the surface of the tissue without manually locating the excitation device (2) several times on the surface of the tissue, thereby ensuring that the N shear waves are excited in respect to the same position, which is helpful to ensure the accuracy of the final elasticity parameter detection result.