A Novel Ultrasonic Imaging Method for Remote Palpation of Breast Tissues
Abstract
A method of acoustic remote palpation, capable of imaging local variations in the mechanical properties of soft tissue is under investigation. Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) imaging uses focused ultrasound to apply localized radiation force to small volumes of tissue (2 mm3) for short durations (less than 1 msec) and the resulting tissue displacements are mapped using ultrasonic correlation based methods. The tissue displacements are inversely proportional to the stiffness of the tissue, and thus a stiffer region of tissue exhibits smaller displacements than a more compliant region. Due to the short duration of the force application, this method provides information about the mechanical impulse response of the tissue, which reflects variations in tissue visco-elastic characteristics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA400056
Entities
People
- Gregg E. Trahey
Organizations
- Duke University