3-D Ultrasound Elastography Reconstruction Using Acoustically Transparent Pressure Sensor on Robotic Arm

Biopsy of breast lesions only visible on MRI may benefit from patient-specific finite-element modeling the breast. This requires acquisition heterogeneous elasticity distribution. An acoustically transparent pad has been developed which enables strain elastography imaging using ultrasound without need for additional force or pressure sensors. The is known a priori while change in thickness detectable by edge detection. Based calculated distribution across pad, inner tissue can be approximated. measured cross-correlation block matching algorithm and these measurements estimated. probe with moved over surface robot arm. At sixteen sites one phantom performed an inward push movement perpendicular to surface. scans were post-processed reconstruct map local plane. While it challenging accurately estimate stress deeper tissue, certain features such as skin effectively distinguished underlying soft demonstrates potential system.