Single transducer harmonic motion imaging for disease detection and monitoring
This technology describes the use of a single transducer for harmonic motion imaging to assess the mechanical properties of tissues for disease detection and monitoring.
Unmet Need: Clinically practical and spatially resolved imaging of tissues
Noninvasive imaging techniques for assessing the mechanical properties of tissues is critical for the detection and monitoring of disease. Current methods of harmonic motion imaging utilize two transducers, which results in devices that are cumbersome in clinical settings and yield measurements that are susceptible to signal artifacts and noise. Conventional imaging methods are also limited by probe depth, tissue stiffness, and spatial resolution, which can restrict use for critical patient care, such as tumor detection and chemotherapy monitoring.
The Technology: Spatially resolved harmonic motion imaging for assessing mechanical properties of tissues
This technology describes the use of a single transducer (ST) for harmonic motion imaging (HMI) to assess the viscoelastic and anisotropic properties of tissues. ST-HMI measurements are robust against noise and are recorded on a pixel-by-pixel basis, which results in the improved spatial resolution of mechanical features in comparison to conventional ultrasound imaging techniques. With this technology, mechanical properties can be assessed with greater probe depth for the study of deep and stiff tissues, as well as for tissue imaging in obese patients, for whom conventional imaging techniques are limited.
This technology has been validated by in vivo imaging of breast cancer in a mouse model and in human subjects.
Applications:
- Assessment of mechanical properties of tissues
- Cancer diagnostics
- Disease monitoring and detection
- Chemotherapy monitoring
- Specialized imaging for obese patients
Advantages:
- Improved spatial resolution
- Robust against noise and signal artifacts
- Downsized device size
- Improved clinical practicality
- Enhanced probe depth
- Enhanced imaging of stiff tissues
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU20327
Licensing Contact: Ron Katz