Tissue Viscoelasticity Measurement via Surface Wave Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing tissue mechanical properties, such as skin health, are limited by dependence on device size and application, lack of subcutaneous tissue analysis, and high variability between observers and patients, reducing their diagnostic value.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using surface waves to analyze tissue viscoelastic properties, independent of excitation and detection, by applying a stimulus to produce waves that propagate through the tissue and measuring their phase and amplitude to determine viscoelastic properties, providing a quantitative and reliable assessment of tissue health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical testing methods (indentometry, ballistometry, twistometry) are used to assess tissue mechanical properties, then device portability and ease of operation are improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to high variability between observers and patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical testing methods (indentometry, ballistometry, twistometry) with optical detection of surface waves. Instead of using mechanical probes that require manual operation and subjective assessment, the system uses optical sensors to detect wave propagation characteristics, eliminating observer variability while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct mechanical properties (force, displacement) to wave propagation parameters (phase velocity, attenuation). This transformation allows objective, quantitative measurement of tissue viscoelasticity through optical detection of surface waves, improving measurement precision while maintaining device portability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional ultrasound imaging is used to analyze tissue structure, then non-invasive assessment is improved, but the ability to analyze subcutaneous tissue and provide quantitative mechanical properties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration in the form of surface waves that propagate through the tissue. These waves penetrate to subcutaneous layers and their propagation characteristics (phase velocity, attenuation) provide quantitative information about tissue viscoelasticity at different depths, enabling non-invasive assessment of subcutaneous tissue that conventional ultrasound cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses surface waves as an intermediary to probe subcutaneous tissue. The waves serve as a mediator that carries information from deep tissue layers to the surface where they can be detected optically, enabling non-invasive access to subcutaneous tissue properties without requiring physical probes or needles.
3Manufacturing precision
If confocal microscopy is used to image tissue layers, then spatial resolution is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio for inner epidermal layers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mechanical vibration (surface waves) to probe tissue properties rather than optical imaging. The wave propagation characteristics provide information about tissue viscoelasticity that is independent of optical scattering and absorption, maintaining signal quality through deeper tissue layers without the noise problems inherent in confocal microscopy of inner epidermal layers.
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 provides accurate, repeatable, and observer-independent measurements of tissue health, improving diagnostic value by analyzing viscoelastic properties and generating reports indicative of tissue health, including the probability of conditions like scleroderma.
Implementation Method 1
applying a stimulus to a selected location on the tissue to produce waves that propagate through the tissue
Implementation Method 2
acquiring data indicative of a surface wave phase at a plurality of tissue locations
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for assessing tissue health based on the viscoelastic properties of the tissue. Surface waves are induced in the tissue and their propagation characteristics are then measured. The tissue viscoelastic properties are then determined from the surface wave measurements using a surface model.