Abstract: New methods and devices for measuring geometrical and mechanical parameters of body tissues and providing mechanical imaging (MI) of the tissues based on these parameters are described in applicant's parent U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 08/607,645 and 07/994,109. In essence, a pressure sensing array is used to measure the surface stress pattern on soft tissues, and the pattern of mechanical stress and the changes in the pattern as a function of the applied pressure, the position of the array and time are processed to construct an image of the internal structure of the tissues. The detected parameters and processed image provide sensitive information useful in the detection and diagnosis of soft tissue pathologies such and breast and prostate tumors.In accordance with the present invention, pressure and position data are acquired by pressing a transrectal probe on soft tissue overlying the prostate.

Abstract: A method and devices in accordance with the present invention enable detecting regions of breast tissue having modulus of elasticity different from that of surrounding glandular tissue using a pressure sensing array. Detection of breast tumors is based on analyzing features of the stress pattern on the surface of an examined tissue that appear as a deviation from a stress pattern for a relatively homogeneous normal tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, a pressure sensor array, data acquisition circuit, and a microprocessor are mounted in a hand held pad. Detection of nodules is achieved by analyzing the dynamic and spatial features of the pressure pattern while the probe pressed to the breast is periodically moved transversely to the ribs. The ribs play a role as an amplifier of the measured effect. The device will be able to objectively detect the presence of lumps in a breast and provide a warning signal.

Abstract: A device and method for visualizing geometrical and mechanical parameters of prostates and diagnosing prostate diseases using a pressure sensor array is disclosed. A probe having an articulated tip for insertion in the rectum applies digital pressure to the prostate similar to that applied by a human finger. A pressure and position/orientation sensor is provided in the tip. Signals from the sensors are used to calculate a virtual pattern of a property such as stress and strain. The virtual and theoretical patterns are compared and differences are used to indicate the presence and location of differing elasticity regions of the tissues being examined and to display an image of the examined prostate.

Abstract: A method and a device for noninvasively identifying a region of the tissue having a different elasticity than the surrounding tissue by simultaneously measuring strain and stress patterns in the tissue portion using an ultrasonic imaging system combined with a pressure sensing array. In a particular embodiment, a pressure sensing array made of a sound transparent film inserted between the ultrasonic scanner probe and the tissue measures pressure pattern on the surface of the tissue when the tissue portion is deformed while the scanner detects internal strain pattern. The ultrasonic scanner probe with the attached pressure sensing array serves as a pressure exerting member causing a deformation of the tissue and creating stress and strain in the tissue portion.

Abstract: A method and devices for Shear Wave Elasticity Imaging (SWEI). The method employs a focused ultrasound transducer which remotely induces a shear wave in a tissue by sending modulated ultrasonic pulses. The shear wave of the frequency of the modulating signal is detected. The values of the shear modulus and dynamic shear viscosity of tissue are evaluated from the measured values of velocity and attenuation of shear waves. Several devices for carrying out the method are described. Devices based on the method can be used as a diagnostic tool in the detection of abnormalities in tissue, such as those caused by cancer or other lesions and characterizing processes in tissues accompanied by changes in their mechanical properties.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing liquids utilizing cylindrical acoustic standing waves, generally in the ultrasonic region. The invention facilitates measurement of acoustic parameters of a fluid, such as sound velocity and attenuation, which themselves serve as indicators of solute concentrations and various ongoing chemical processes occurring. In preferred embodiments of the invention, cylindrical ultrasonic standing waves are generated in a liquid contained within a cylindrical housing by causing coherent oscillation of the entire cylinder, or a circumferential segment thereof, or multiple circumferential segments thereof. The invention is amenable to a variety of applications and implementations, most involving pairs of resonators, one containing a sample of the liquid under study, and the other containing a reference liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging a portion of the body tissue comprises support for a portion of the tissue, and a force applying member that tends to deform the tissue relative to a reference position, while at the same time a pressure pattern distribution is generated indicating areas of greater pressure which are a function of the amount of deformation and localized portions of the tissue being deformed.