Viscoelasticity Measurement Using Reference Layer and Stepwise Pressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in measuring viscoelastic characteristics of tissues due to complex probe structures and difficulties in accurately measuring strain distributions with normal pressure sensors, particularly in deep tissue regions, while also failing to provide viscosity distribution measurements.
Innovation Solution
A specimen information acquisition apparatus that uses a viscoelasticity measurement reference layer with a known modulus of elasticity, combined with stepwise pressurization and ultrasonic waves, to calculate the coefficient of viscosity by measuring strain variations in both the specimen and the reference layer, allowing for independent evaluation of modulus of elasticity and viscosity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a pressure sensor is provided immediately below the ultrasonic probe to measure strain distribution, then the measurement structure is simple, but the efficiency and sensitivity of transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves are degraded, making it impossible to perform measurement for deep regions
Solution Approach 1:
A reference layer with known viscoelastic properties is introduced as an intermediary between the ultrasonic probe and the specimen. This reference layer enables accurate strain distribution measurement by providing a known mechanical response that can be used to calculate the stress distribution, which in turn allows determination of the specimen's viscoelastic properties without placing the sensor directly in contact with the specimen.
2Ease of operation
If a pressure sensor is used to measure strain distribution with normal pressure, then the measurement is straightforward, but it is difficult to measure the strain distribution of tissues because the pressure to be applied is normally very small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical strain measurement with ultrasonic wave-based measurement. Instead of using a pressure sensor to directly detect tissue strain, the system uses ultrasonic waves to measure strain distribution, leveraging the interaction between ultrasonic waves and tissue mechanical properties to achieve accurate measurement of small strains.
3Device complexity
If only elasticity distribution is displayed as in PTL 2, then the configuration is simple, but a method of measuring viscosity distribution is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is enhanced to perform multiple measurement functions using the same hardware configuration. By analyzing the dynamic response of the reference layer and specimen under applied stress, the system can simultaneously determine both elastic modulus distribution and viscosity distribution, making the apparatus universally capable of comprehensive viscoelastic characterization.
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 evaluation of tissue viscoelasticity, including both modulus of elasticity and viscosity, with a simple configuration, effectively supporting tumor tissue diagnosis by stabilizing strain distribution measurements and improving measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a conversion element (2) configured to convert the received elastic waves into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
a measurement unit (7) configured to measure a strain in the specimen (4) and a strain of the reference layer (3) when pressure is applied on the specimen (4) and the reference layer (3)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to formation of an image indicating viscoelastic characteristics in a specimen by a simple method.Stepwise pressurization in which, after pressure is instantaneously increased to a certain pressure value, the certain pressure value is kept for a certain time period is performed to measure the variation with time of strain distribution in the specimen and to calculate a stress from strain distribution at a saturation measurement time when the effect of the viscosity of a viscoelasticity measurement reference layer is saturated, thereby evaluating the modulus of elasticity and the coefficient of viscosity of a body tissue.