Method and Apparatus for Quantifying Organization in Collagenous Tissue

摘要

An apparatus uses a steered ultrasound beam to assess microstructure of the cervix revealed by backscatter power variation at a range of angles and depth. Analysis of a distribution of power loss at different angles and depths referenced to the structure of the cervix may be used to characterize cervical tissue.

主权项

1. A method of assessing tissue structure of a cervix using ultrasound comprising the steps of:
(a) applying an ultrasonic beam to tissue at multiple of angles to obtain backscatter power from the tissue at a variety of depths so that tissue at each depth is measured at a variety of angles; (b) quantify a variation in backscatter power both as a function of a tissue angle of the ultrasound beam with respect to a central axis of the cervix and a tissue depth perpendicular to the central axis for a plurality of tissue volume elements; (c) process the variation in backscatter power to determine a distribution among the volume elements of backscatter power loss as a function of tissue angle and tissue depth; and (d) output a diagnostic indication to an operator based on the distribution.