Columbia Technology Ventures

Ultrasound and elasticity imaging of joints and other soft tissues

Elasticity imaging techniques, or methods for mapping mechanical responses or properties using ultrasound or MRI imaging, have been long used for the early diagnosis of tumors, and for intravascular and cardiovascular applications. With the expansion of these technologies, it has become possible to study the complexities in mechanical properties and behavior of other soft tissues, as well. This technology describes the use of elastography in the mechanical characterization of joint tissues, including the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Through the use of ultrasound, this technology is capable of monitoring the strain distributions of native tissue or replacement graft displacement to determine their time-dependent mechanical properties. This technology could be used to aid in graft development and placement during ligament repair, as well as monitoring graft maintenance and tissue post-operation.

Elastography of joints and other soft tissues for studying time-dependent strain distribution and mechanical properties

This technology achieves the difficult task of elucidating the complex displacement and strain distributions that are observed within the knee joint during loading. This is accomplished through acquisition of ultrasound data from a joint or other tissue structure during deformation, and utilization of a cross-correlation algorithm to estimate displacement and strain components. This method effectively provides information on the displacement of the tissue in a time-dependent manner. This acquired data can then be used in the design of mechanically competent and relevant tissue grafts, and can also be utilized during both invasive and non-invasive tissue repair or replacement procedures.

The feasibility of this technology for mechanical characterization of the ACL and ACL-bone interface has been shown in vitro from bovine model of the knee joint.

Lead Inventor:

Elisa E Konofagou, Ph.D.

Applications:

  • Monitoring replacement graft mechanical properties following reconstruction of the ACL or other ligaments and soft tissues
  • Full characterization of mechanical properties of joints and soft tissues
  • Diagnosis and monitoring of abnormalities in joint or tissue stiffness
  • Tool for helping to develop and monitor physical therapy programs for joint rehabilitation
  • Use in guiding graft placement in ACL repair or the repair of other ligaments and tendons
  • Probe for use in arthroscopic surgery
  • Diagnosis of joint diseases including osteoarthritis or osteoporosis

Advantages:

  • Non-invasive for analysis of tissue properties without physical contact
  • Provides information on mechanical properties over time for analysis of complex, viscoelastic tissues
  • Can be used for time-dependent imaging of displacement and strain distributions
  • Capable of measuring fundamental mechanical properties including Young's modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson's ratio

Patent information:

Tech Ventures Reference: IR 1877

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