Columbia Technology Ventures

Non-invasive determination of corneal elasticity using acoustic radiation force

This technology is a non-invasive method for determining the elastic properties of superficial tissues, such as corneal tissues, using acoustic energy.

Unmet Need: High-resolution tool for direct measurement of corneal elasticity

Although changes in corneal elasticity are crucial to the diagnosis of a variety of ophthalmic disorders, current assessment methods rely on corneal response to direct air-puffs or low frequency ultrasonic sensing. These current methods are more suited for solid tissue elasticity measurement and do not accurately assess soft tissue, such as the cornea. To date, there is no specialized, high-resolution method for measurement of corneal elasticity.

The Technology: High-frequency ultrasound and post-processing algorithms for high-resolution assessment of corneal elasticity

This technology is a method for non-invasively determining the elastic properties of superficial tissues, such as corneal tissues, using acoustic energy. This method applies high-frequency ultrasound to the cornea, using a single element probe, resulting in displacement of the cornea as well as corneal thinning. The corneal thinning is assessed in the context of the force applied, providing the corneal strain, which is then processed via algorithms to map corneal elasticity. As a result, this technology provides an improved and non-invasive method to assess the characteristics of corneal tissue.

This technology has been validated in a rabbit model.

Applications:

  • Assessment tool for optometry
  • Diagnostic tool for corneal elasticity correlated disease
  • Optical tonometer
  • Elasticity measurement tool for skin
  • Elasticity measurement tool for cardiovascular health

Advantages:

  • High-resolution
  • Automated and unbiased analysis algorithm
  • Flexible tool can be applied to various anatomical objects
  • Non-invasive

Lead Inventor:

Ronald Silverman, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Status

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