Harmonic motion imaging in non-invasive tissue characterization

This technology is a method of noninvasive biological tissue characterization using Harmonic Motion Imaging.

Unmet Need: Non-invasive and clinically translatable method of tissue characterization

Biological tissue characterization is important for clinical assessments such as ultrasound applications. However, existing tissue imaging techniques require more than two transducers, which has hindered their successful translation into clinical applications or implementation into existing commercially available systems. Additionally, current techniques detect tissue relaxation after a radiation force is applied, resulting in a loss of signal from unwanted diffraction and scattering effects.

The Technology: Harmonic motion imaging technique easily implemented into existing clinical systems

This technology uses acoustic radiation force based on Harmonic Motion Imaging (HMI) to measure a tissue’s displacement by the acoustic wave. The method uses only two transducers, making it easily implementable into existing ultrasound diagnostic or therapeutic systems. The HMI technique is independent of speed of sound, a parameter that can limit the modalities used during the measurement. Furthermore, HMI also measures tissue displacement during the application of the acoustic radiation force, providing a robust method of noninvasive quantification of tissue attenuations.

This technology has been validated in commercially available tissue mimicking phantoms, as well as in vivo using canine livers.

Applications:

• Early diagnosis and treatment monitoring during thermal ultrasound treatment procedures
• Elasticity imaging of soft tissues
• Assessment of tissue elasticity undergoing thermal ablation

Advantages:

• Easy implementation into existing commercially available systems
• Detects tissue displacement during the application of the acoustic force
• Noninvasive method
• Independent of speed of sound
• Can be translated into clinical use

Lead Inventor:

Elisa Konofagou, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Status

Related Publications:

• Payen T, Oberstein PE, Saharkhiz N, Palermo CF, Sastra SA, Han Y, Nabavizadeh A, Sagalovisky IR, Orelli B, Rosario V, Desrouilleres D, Remotti H, Kluger MD, Schrope BA, Chabot JA, Iuga AC, Konofagou EE, Olive KP. “Harmonic motion imaging of pancreatic tumor stiffness indicates disease state and treatment response” Clin Cancer Res. 2020 Mar 15; 15; 26: 1297-1308.

• Han Y, Wang S, Payen T, Konofagou E. “Fast lesion mapping during HIFU treatment using harmonic motion imaging guided focused ultrasound (HMIgFUS) in vitro and in vivo” Phys Med Biol. 2017 Apr 21; 62(8): 3111-3123.

• Payen T, Palermo CF, Sastra SA, Chen H, Han Y, Olive KP, Konofagou EE. “Elasticity mapping of murine abdominal organs in vivo using harmonic motion imaging (HMI)” Phys Med Biol. 2016 Aug 7; 61(15): 5741-5754.

• Chen J, Hou GY, Marquet F, Han Y, Camarena F, Konofagou E. “Radiation-force-based estimation of acoustic attenuation using harmonic motion imaging (HMI) in phantoms and in vitro livers before and after HIFU ablation” Phys Med Biol. 2015 Oct 7; 60(19): 7499-7512.

• Shahmirzadi D, Hou GY, Chen J, Konofagou EE. “Ex Vivo characterization of canine liver tissue viscoelasticity after high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation” Ultrasound Med Biol. 2014 Feb;40(2):341-350.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU13179

• Licensing Contact: Ron Katz