Tumor Material Parameter Estimation from Ultrasound Strain Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating mechanical and transport parameters of materials, such as tumors, are invasive, costly, and limited by complex boundary conditions and shape variations, lacking the ability to provide non-invasive, high-resolution mapping of Young's modulus (YM) and Poisson's ratio (PR) simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive technique using strain data and analytical models, including ultrasound elastography, to reconstruct YM and PR of tumors and surrounding tissues, irrespective of shape and boundary conditions, employing Eshelby's inclusion formulation and cost functions to determine material parameters like interstitial permeability, vascular permeability, and solid stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive methods are used to estimate mechanical and transport parameters, then measurement precision can be improved, but ease of operation and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical measurement systems with non-invasive ultrasound-based elastography. The system uses acoustic waves to induce strain and measure tissue deformation, eliminating the need for physical contact or insertion of measurement devices while maintaining parameter estimation accuracy through computational modeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model that bridges the gap between non-invasive ultrasound measurements and the desired mechanical parameters. The analytical model uses measured strain data to infer Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio without direct mechanical probing, acting as a mediator between the non-invasive measurement and the mechanical property estimation.
2Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to map Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio, then measurement precision can be improved, but device complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal analytical model that simultaneously estimates multiple material parameters (Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, interstitial permeability, vascular permeability, solid stress) from a single set of non-invasive measurements. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized devices for each parameter, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high-resolution mapping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from direct mechanical parameter measurement to indirect inference through strain measurement and computational modeling. This parameter transformation allows simultaneous estimation of multiple material properties from a unified measurement framework, simplifying the device architecture while preserving measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If non-invasive methods are used, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision worsens due to boundary conditions and shape variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the estimation process into distinct computational stages: (1) non-invasive strain measurement, (2) boundary condition identification through iterative modeling, (3) parameter estimation using Eshelby's inclusion formulation. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex boundary conditions and shape variations at each stage independently, maintaining measurement precision while preserving non-invasive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic iterative modeling that adapts to varying boundary conditions and tissue shapes during the estimation process. The computational model dynamically adjusts its parameters and assumptions based on the measured strain distribution, enabling accurate parameter estimation across diverse anatomical configurations without requiring prior knowledge of boundary conditions.
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, low-cost, high-resolution estimation of YM, PR, and other material parameters, suitable for clinical and industrial applications, without radiation, providing insights for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of diseases like cancer.
Implementation Method 1
A non-invasive technique using strain data and analytical models, including ultrasound elastography
Implementation Method 2
reconstruct YM and PR of tumors and surrounding tissues... employing Eshelby's inclusion formulation
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a method, a system, an apparatus, and a computer program product for determining IFP, IFV, and fluid flow inside tumors. In one example, a method for estimating tumor parameters is disclosed. This method includes: (1) receiving image data from a tumor, (2) obtaining strain data of the tumor from the image data, and (3) determining a tumor parameter, such as IFP and IFV, employing the strain data and an analytical model. Additional tumor parameters can be determined employing the strain data and other analytical models. The additional tumor parameters include compression-induced fluid pressure, velocity and flow inside the tumor, parameter a employing the fluid pressure, the ratio between vascular permeability and interstitial permeability, and the ratio of peak IFP and effective vascular pressure. Each of these parameters can be employed for analyzing, monitoring, treating, testing, etc., tumors or the effects of drugs on the tumors.