Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for measuring the elasticity of a human or animal organ located behind the ribs. The instrument includes a casing having an actuator therein, the end of which is equipped with a transducer that is actuated in order to measure the elasticity of the organ. The measuring instrument also includes a mechanism for centering the transducer between the ribs.

Abstract: A device for measuring elasticity of a human or animal organ, or viscoelastic environments presenting an ultrasonic signal after ultrasonic illumination and consecutively establishing a representation in two or three dimensions of the elasticity, including at least one ultrasonic bar including a plurality of transducers, an excitor that generates and delivers a low-frequency, direct or indirect applied force, a receiver that acquires ultrasonic signals, a controller that commands and processes data, and a scanner that carries out scanning with the bar in one dimension (1D) or in two dimensions (2D) in two perpendicular directions, respectively, to obtain a representation of the measure of the elasticity in two (2D) or three dimensions (3D).