Abstract: Methods for assessment of pelvic floor conditions based on tactile imaging are described. The vaginal wall is deformed before and after an interventional procedure using a transvaginal probe equipped with tactile pressure sensors and a motion tracking sensor. The vaginal wall coordinates and pressure patterns are obtained during the examination and used to build 3-D tactile image of the vagina and to calculate elasticity modulus profiles and spacing profiles along selected lines inside 3-D tactile image. The “before” and “after” profile values at specified locations are then compared to each other and to thresholds or profiles for normal conditions of vagina and its support structures. Methods of the invention may be used in estimating an improvement after an interventional procedure such as pelvic tissue regeneration, muscle repair or implantation of a supporting structure.

Abstract: An ultrasound beacon is incorporated into a needle of a drug delivery system utilizing high intensity ultrasound energy during certain cancer treatments. The beacon is configured to generate a electrical feedback signal in response to an initial ultrasound signal sent by an ultrasound transmitter. The electrical feedback signal is then sent along two electrical conductors of the needle and further over a cable back to the electronic unit. The feedback signal is then used to generate high intensity focused ultrasound using time-reversal acoustics principles. Therapeutic application of the system of the invention includes applying high intensity focused ultrasound at the site of drug delivery to enhance local tissue uptake of injected medication.

Abstract: A comprehensive system for objective assessment of colonoscope manipulation includes a handgrip for collecting and transmitting colonoscope handling data including force and motion data; a patient pain monitor for collecting and transmitting data on the level of patient's pain and discomfort; and digital processing means for extracting useful features such as colonoscope tip advancement speed from colonoscope-provided video images. All data is wirelessly transmitted to an electronic unit for processing and displaying on a monitor. A colonoscopy procedure is properly conducted when certain shaft advancement causes appropriate tip advancement, all without an increased level of patient's pain. The system of the invention is aimed at providing objective assessment data allowing for safer and less painful colonoscopies.

Abstract: A method for focusing broadband acoustic signals with flat spectral content based on Time-Reversed Acoustics (TRA) principle is disclosed. The method of the invention differs from the conventional TRA focusing in that it includes an additional step of adjusting the spectral content of time-reversed signal, prior to applying it to the radiating transducer. This additional step, which includes attenuation of the spectral components with high amplitude and amplification of the spectral components with low amplitude, leads to flattening of the spectra of the radiated signal and widening of its frequency band. TRA focusing with this additional step of adjusting spectral content of the radiated signal allows generation of shorter pulses and provides better concentration of acoustic energy than standard TRA focusing.

Abstract: A method and device for high resolution 3-D detection of changes in mechanical and structural properties of the breast tissue that are indicative of breast cancer development. A compact hand held device comprises a pressure sensor array, a self-contained motion tracking system integrated with the pressure sensor array, and an electronic unit with a display. Mechanical imaging of the breast is achieved by pressing the sensing pad onto the breast, oscillating it over breast tissue portions with sequential returning to a reference point. Analysis of pressure response data for oscillatory deformations comprises cumulative summation of a plurality of pressure patterns after spatially shifting every pattern by a pre-calculated value in an opposite direction of pressure sensor array motion. Determining mechanical and geometrical features of the breast inner structures includes formation of a 3-D mechanical image of the breast combining results of local scanning at all breast sites.

Abstract: A method and device in accordance with the present invention enable detecting changes in mechanical and structural properties of the breast tissue that are indicative of breast cancer development. In one embodiment of the invention, an array of force sensors based on PVDF piezopolymer film, data acquisition circuit, and a microprocessor are mounted in a hand held pad. Detection of nodules is achieved by pressing the sensing pad onto the breast, oscillating it over regions under investigation, and analyzing spectral and phase characteristics of the signal from the sensors in the array. The device is able to objectively detect presence of suspicious lesions in the breast and provide a warning signal.

Abstract: A method of assessment of bone conditions comprises acquiring of unilateral sequential ultrasonic measurements along the trajectory over the surface of an examined bone. The method utilizes measurements of a set of ultrasonic parameters from a plurality of ultrasonic transfucers moved along the tested bone surface. Measured parameters are displayed as profile graphs characterizing bone conditions. The set of measured and displayed ultrasonic parameters can include: velocity of a longitudinal wave; velocity of a flexural wave; attenuation of the longitudinal wave; attenuation of the flexural wave; frequency slope of attenuation of the longitudinal wave; frequency slope of attenuation of the flexural wave; changes of spectral characteristics of propagating the longitudinal wave; and changes of spectral characteristics of propagating the flexural wave.

Abstract: The present invention describes an electrooptical apparatus and method for monitoring cell growth in microbiological culture. The apparatus comprises an electrooptical cell filled up with a cell suspension and having electrodes and two orthogonal optical channels for passing through two light beams, an electrical generating means for supplying an alternating electrical current on said electrodes for inducing an alternating electrical field with predetermined frequency and strength in said electrooptical cell to give rise preferred orientation of the bacterial cells, an optical system for generating signals in response to the optical density changes in both optical channels by turning on and turning off said alternating electrical field, a temperature controlling means of the electrooptical cell, a cell suspension delivery means connected with the electrooptical cell, an electronic unit determining and displaying growth parameters of the bacterial cells.

Abstract: A pressure force sensing array is used to measure the surface stress pattern on soft tissues. The pattern of mechanical stress and the changes in the pattern as a function of the applied pressure, 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 information useful in the detection and diagnosis of soft tissue pathologies such as breast and prostate tumors. The present invention relates to an apparatus particularly useful for mechanical imaging of the prostate which comprises a transrectal probe. The probe includes a probe shaft, a position sensor for determining the position of the tip and an array of force sensors for determining the pattern of pressure from tissue deformed by the tip.

Abstract: 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. Another embodiment of the invention is a clinical device for imaging the mechanical structure of the examined breast and diagnosing diseases accompanied by changes in the elasticity of breast tissue. This embodiment is made up of an electronically controlled mechanical scanning unit incorporated into a patient support bed. The mechanical scanning unit includes a compression mechanism and positioning system, a local pressure source located opposite a pressure sensor array, and electronic control and interface circuitry.

Abstract: A method and devices for Shear Wave Elasticity Imaging (SWEI). The method employs a focused acoustic pulse which remotely induces a shear wave in tissue. The values of the shear modulus and dynamic shear viscosity of tissue are evaluated from the values of propagation parameters of shear acoustic waves detected by various means including Doppler ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. 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. The devices can also be used for assessment of brain tissue and evaluation of the biomechanical state of muscle.